The San Francisco 49ers have finalized their 53-man roster, sharpening focus on a season filled with Super Bowl expectations. But beyond the field, one rookie’s off-field decision quickly became the subject of conversation in the Bay Area.

For many first-year players, surviving final cuts marks the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Yet, with the spotlight comes new pressure — and sometimes, the challenge of balancing football commitments with distractions off the field.

This week, one rookie’s choice went viral. Instead of celebrating with loved ones after making the roster, he drew attention for ending a relationship he felt brought too much visibility at a pivotal career moment.

That rookie is linebacker Nick Martin, San Francisco’s third-round pick, who ended his relationship with Ashley Marie, a 21-year-old OnlyFans creator from California known for cosplay, bikini shoots, and lifestyle content that caters to anime and gaming communities.

Marie, who rose to prominence on TikTok before expanding to OnlyFans, has about 50,000 followers. Her brand focuses on friendly, fan-oriented content rather than explicit material, but her growing platform inevitably placed a spotlight on Martin.

The rookie explained his decision with striking honesty: “Right now, I need to focus on building my career with the 49ers. She brought too much noise, too many eyes on me. I need peace, I need focus — if not, I’ll lose my chance and be left behind under the lights of Levi’s Stadium.”

Reactions poured in across social media. Some fans praised Martin for making a professional decision that prioritized football above distractions, while others sympathized with Marie, noting the personal costs of life under the NFL spotlight.

For Martin, the choice sends a message to teammates and fans alike: his focus is fully on football. As he begins his role as a backup linebacker and special-teams contributor, he’s making it clear — the 49ers come first.