SAN FRANCISCO, California — In the NFL, not every goodbye comes after years of dedication. Sometimes, just a few short weeks are enough to create respect between a player and an organization.
The San Francisco 49ers decided to part ways with a veteran running back while finalizing their roster ahead of the new season.
Although his time with the team did not last long, this player still left an impression through his professionalism, competitive mindset, and respect for the culture of the 49ers.
That player is Khalil Herbert, the former running back selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft who has several years of NFL experience.
Herbert joined San Francisco with the expectation of competing for depth at the running back position during training camp and the preseason.
He was viewed as an experienced option with the ability to provide support to the offense thanks to his powerful running style and his previous success at the NFL level.
In his only preseason game wearing a 49ers uniform against the Tennessee Titans, Herbert recorded 6 rushing attempts for 18 yards along with 2 receptions for 35 yards.
Although those numbers were not enough to earn him a spot on the final roster, Herbert’s performance still showed his ability to contribute when given an opportunity.
Before arriving in San Francisco, Herbert built his reputation with the Chicago Bears after being selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech.
He had an impressive college season in 2020, earning All ACC honors with 1,182 rushing yards and becoming one of the most notable running backs before entering the NFL.
Throughout his professional career, Herbert has accumulated more than 1,900 rushing yards along with 9 rushing touchdowns during his first five NFL seasons.
The 2022 season became one of the strongest stretches of his career as he recorded 731 rushing yards before becoming the Bears’ primary running back in 2023.
After the decision to part ways with the 49ers, Herbert did not make any complaints about the organization.
Instead, he chose to send an emotional message to San Francisco fans who supported him during his brief time in the Bay Area.
“I know my time in San Francisco did not last as long as I hoped, but I am truly grateful for the opportunity to wear the 49ers uniform. This organization has incredible people and a special culture. I hope that one day I will have another opportunity to return and be able to contribute to this team again.”
That message quickly earned respect from many 49ers fans.
Because even though it was only a short term opportunity, Herbert showed the exact type of character that San Francisco has always looked for in its players.
He not only brought NFL experience, but he also displayed professionalism throughout every practice day and every opportunity he received on the field.
For the 49ers, the decision to move on from Herbert was simply part of the process of building a roster with the best options for the future.
But for Herbert, San Francisco will always remain a special chapter in his NFL journey.
And for 49ers fans, this goodbye may not be the end of the story, but rather a promise that one day the paths of Khalil Herbert and the red and gold could cross again.