Chris Borland’s Retirement an Uncommon Choice—but One NFL Players Understand

March 18, 2015   ·   Matt Bowen   ·   Jump to comments

When a young player voluntary walks away from the NFL—from the game, from the money, from the unique opportunities that are created in this league—we should all take notice.
I was surprised, even shocked a bit, when it was revealed Monday that San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland retired at age 24 after just one year of pro ball, citing his concerns about the head injuries that come with playing.
The news led me to interview a number of my fellow NFL veterans, asking them whether they still think the rewards of playing pro ball outweigh the risks. Most leaned toward saying, "Yes," and I don't think this is the beginning of the end for the NFL. But Borland's decision definitely has heightened awareness that the balance could be shifting.   
"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," Borland told Outside the Lines, via ESPN.com's...

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