SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Center Chris Dalman retired Monday,
10 months after a neck injury during training camp ended his career
with the San Francisco 49ers.
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Dalman collided with another player during a blocking drill at
the 49ers' training camp in Stockton on Aug. 8. He momentarily was
paralyzed, and doctors discovered damage to the disc between the
fifth and sixth vertebrae in his neck.
The 49ers have known since shortly after the injury that
Dalman's career was over, but his retirement was delayed until June
for salary cap reasons. Dalman was placed on injured reserve in
late August.
"I've been OK with this decision for a long time," Dalman
said. "When I first got hurt and I couldn't move, laying on the
field for about 30 seconds, I knew it was probably over. Still,
it's strange to think that this part of your life is over."
Dalman, who grew up in Salinas and attended Stanford, spent
eight seasons with the 49ers after San Francisco drafted him in the
sixth round in 1993.
After three seasons as a backup and on special teams, Dalman was
the 49ers' starter at right guard for one season. From 1997-99, he
started 43 games at center as the 49ers led the NFL in rushing
twice.
Dalman, who earned a degree in political science from Stanford,
will teach English and coach football at his former Salinas high
school in the fall. He also has returned to school to earn a
teaching credential.
"I miss football every day, and it was tough to watch the guys
I played with last season," Dalman said. "I could watch other
games, but I couldn't watch any 49ers games."
It was Dalman's second serious neck injury. As a sophomore at
Stanford, he had fusion surgery on the third and fourth vertebrae.
Dalman had additional surgery three months ago, and though the
injury still causes him pain, he said he hopes eventually to lead a
normal life. On Monday, he played in Jerry Rice's charity golf
tournament.
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