A tough offseason for the 49ers just got a whole lot tougher.
Just weeks after Patrick Willis announced his retirement, former Wisconsin Badger linebacker Chris Borland who was vital to the Niners’ defense his rookie season last year announced he’s also retiring. The 24-year old however isn’t walking away from the game due to a current lingering injury, instead Borland told ESPN’s Outside the Lines he’s moving on because of long-term health concerns over head trauma.
“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.”
The former third round selection, didn’t say Willis’ decision weighed in on his however in the long-term bigger picture for the NFL this definitely raises some concerns. Unless the League introduces new protective measures against head trauma then we very well could see more star players choose to end their careers early over the lingering threat of neurological problems later on in life. Or, the NFL whose been able to get some of the best young athletes in the United States may find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to securing that fresh talent over the upcoming years and decades.
h/t: ESPN, The Big Lead, Getty (Photo)
