SAN FRANCISCO-
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland is retiring due to his concerns about the long term consequences of repetative head trauma, as reported by ESPN’s Outside the Lines.
Chris Borland is 24 years old, and in his one year with the 49ers he showed all of the signs of a becoming a perennial football star. He finishes his career with 107 combined tackles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
When the 49ers drafted Borland in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft, there was some speculation he was not large enough to succeed at the pro level, but he quickly silenced his critics while filling in for injured middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman.
According to ESPN, Borland notified the 49ers of his retirement on Friday. He said he made his decision after consulting with family members, concussion researchers, friends, and current and former teammates.
“I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health,” Borland told “Outside the Lines.” “From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”
Read more on ESPN.com by clicking here.
