49ers Breakout Star Earns Roster Spot After Defying the Odds — “He Just Wouldn’t Quit”
Santa Clara, CA – October 15, 2025
Every once in a while, a story emerges from deep within an NFL roster that reminds everyone why perseverance still matters. For the San Francisco 49ers, that story belongs to
Undrafted out of the University of California in 2022, Tonges’ path to the league was anything but smooth. He spent a brief stint with the Chicago Bears, bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster, logging only a handful of snaps before being released. For most players, that might have been the end of the road. But for Tonges, it was just another challenge.
When the 49ers came calling, the fit was almost poetic. A California native with the versatility to play both tight end and fullback, Tonges embodied exactly what head coach Kyle Shanahan values — grit, adaptability, and quiet consistency. With George Kittle battling injuries early in the season, Tonges got his shot, and he didn’t waste it.
In his first real opportunity, he turned a broken play into his first career touchdown, catching a deflected pass in the red zone that sent Levi’s Stadium into a roar. Since then, Tonges has steadily become one of the most reliable depth pieces on the roster, recording 25 catches for 224 yards and three touchdowns through six weeks — a remarkable rise for a player who wasn’t even guaranteed a roster spot two months ago.
“He’s the kind of player you root for,” one assistant coach noted. “Shows up early, stays late, never complains, and when his number’s called — he delivers.”
Now, as Kittle nears a full return, the 49ers find themselves with an unexpected luxury: two dependable tight ends who can block, catch, and execute Shanahan’s intricate schemes. More importantly, they’ve found a player who represents the heart of what this franchise stands for — earning everything, taking nothing for granted.
Jake Tonges didn’t just make the roster. He made believers out of everyone in San Francisco.
BREAKING: 49ers Rookie DT Waived Before Season Retires to Join Military Service
San Francisco, CA – August 26, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers have been busy finalizing their 53-man roster ahead of the regular season, a process that always produces difficult goodbyes. Among the cuts this August, one undrafted defensive tackle’s response to being waived has turned into a story of purpose rather than disappointment.
Throughout training camp, the 49ers leaned on a loaded defensive front, anchored by stars and seasoned veterans. The depth left little room for new arrivals to make their case, and undrafted free agents faced uphill battles just to stay on the practice field. One late addition entered camp with determination, but ultimately, his opportunity was short-lived.
That player was Michael Dwumfour, a defensive tackle who signed with San Francisco on August 7 in hopes of carving out a role. A strong-bodied lineman with experience from Michigan and Rutgers, he brought energy to drills but was unable to crack a stacked defensive rotation. Less than a week later, he was waived as the team adjusted its roster.
For most rookies, such a move might signal another chance elsewhere, a wait for practice squad invitations, or a grind toward another camp. But instead of continuing that journey, Dwumfour announced his decision to retire from football altogether, choosing to pursue a higher calling outside the game.
In his message, Dwumfour said: “Wearing the San Francisco 49ers uniform was a dream I’ll always cherish, and I’m thankful for the chance. But after being waived, I realized the NFL isn’t my ultimate path. Serving in the military and giving back to my country is the greater mission I must follow.”
The 49ers organization responded with respect, praising the rookie’s maturity and courage to walk away from football so early in his career. Coaches commended his work ethic during camp, while teammates described his choice as inspiring despite the brevity of his time in San Francisco.
For the Faithful, Dwumfour’s story resonates not because of stats or snaps but because of perspective. In a sport defined by competition and relentless pursuit, his decision highlights the value of sacrifice, selflessness, and choosing service over personal ambition.
Whether Michael Dwumfour ever considers returning to football is uncertain. What is clear is that his short stay with the 49ers will be remembered not as a footnote of preseason cuts, but as the story of a rookie who traded the NFL dream for a mission greater than the game.
