For the second time this off season a member of the 49ers’ defense has unexpectedly decided to walk away from the game of football. Last night Chris Borland announced his retirement after just one season. Borland made his decision based on his concern of long term health effects of trauma to the head.
Borland, who met with concussion researchers, said of his decision,
“I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health. From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk. I just thought to myself, ‘What am I doing? Is this how I’m going to live my adult life, banging my head, especially with what I’ve learned and knew about the dangers?'”
Borland said he has been diagnosed with two concussions and may have suffered a third undiagnosed concussion during training camp last season.
Borland led the 49ers in tackles last season after Patrick Willis had season ending toe surgery. His decision has to come as a significant blow to the 49ers who lost Willis due to his surprise retirement last week. With two surprise retirements and NaVorro Bowman recovering from a torn MCL/ACL the team is pretty thin at linebacker.
General manager Trent Baalke had this to say,
“While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris’ decision. From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from day one and a very well respected member of our team and community. Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best.”
Borland joins quarterback Jake Locker and linebacker Jason Worilds as the third NFL player to unexpectedly retire before age 30 this season.
