San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has become the latest example of the franchise's reputation for preserving positive relationships with former players, according to a Yahoo Sports report published October 31, 2026.
Buckner, who wore number 99 for the 49ers, appeared in Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated San Francisco 31-20 in that championship game. A Getty Images photograph from the event shows Buckner on the sideline before kickoff.
The article by Patrick Holloway suggests Buckner's situation continues a pattern of the 49ers organization avoiding acrimonious departures with notable players. Specific details about Buckner's current status or the nature of his ongoing connection to the team were not included in the available source material.
