Travis Benjamin has become the first San Francisco 49ers player to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season.
The newly-acquired wide receiver will, therefore, not be playing at the Bay Area in his debut season.
In a Twitter post, he said he decided to sit out the season after holding discussions with his family.
He explained that, despite opting out, he will continue to offer support to his teammates in the league.
“After much consideration and discussion with my family I have decided to opt out of the 2002 NFL season as I feel this is the best decision for my family,” Benjamin tweeted.
“I will continue to support my teammates and many friends around the league this season.”
The 30-year-old decision comes as a huge blow to San Francisco after the team’s General Manager said he didn’t expect any players to opt out.
Meanwhile, the league has set a deadline this coming Thursday for players to decide if they want to opt-out of the 2020 season.
Many NFL players have already decided not to participate in the season over COVID-19 fears
