Source: Michael Zagaris / Getty
The already long list of NFL and college players who have turned down football, fame and a shot at buckets of money in the interest of their health just got longer.
San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Chris Borland announced his retirement to “Outside the Lines” Monday, making him the fifth high-profile NFL player younger than 30 to retire this offseason. Borland started eight of the 14 games he played last season and finished his rookie year with 107 tackles, one sack and even a vote for defensive rookie of the year.
ESPN calls Borland “the most prominent NFL player to leave the game in his prime because of concerns about brain injuries.”
Many called him a rising star in the NFL. Yet Borland seems sure of his decision saying he wants to be “proactive” and that he’s very familiar with the horror stories of Dave Duerson and Ray Easterling, both of whom suffered from brain trauma and committed suicide.
“I am blessed to be able to say that I get to retire happy,”said former NFL player Patrick Willis.
Borland joins his former teammate Patrick Willis who retired earlier this offseason as an able-bodied starter at the age of 30. Willis made the Pro Bowl in seven of his eight NFL seasons.
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Article Courtesy of Newsy and WEWS NewsChannel 5
Picture Courtesy of Getty Images
