San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Retires At 24 Due To Concern Over Brain Trauma

Chris Borland, who had a standout rookie season, told ESPN he doesn’t think playing football is “worth the risk.”

Chris Borland, a 24-year-old linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, has decided to retire from football after only one season over concerns about the effects of head trauma, ESPN reports.

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From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk.

I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been, for me it's wanting to be proactive. I'm concerned that if you wait till you have symptoms, it's too late. ... There are a lot of unknowns. I can't claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long healthy life, and I don't want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise.

Borland told ESPN that he suffered a concussion during training camp, and told his parents that "his career in the NFL would be brief because of his concerns about the potential long-term effects of the head injuries."

Borland recalled wondering, "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?'

According to ESPN, Borland met with a team of experts, and considered the lives of former players who were diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease that causes dementia-like symptoms and is strongly linked to repetitive brain trauma.

After thinking through the potential repercussions, Borland said the decision was ultimately "simple."

The decision comes after a standout rookie season for Borland, who recorded two interceptions, one fumble, and 84 tackles. He also looked to be a promising replacement for linebacker Patrick Willis, who retired last week at the age of 30.

His decision, and the plain language he used to describe his concerns over the effects of repetitive brain trauma, represent the NFL's worst fears. Due to his young age and ability, Borland's decision signifies somewhat of a turning point in the social awareness of the risks to players. Though it is tough to imagine a reality in which the NFL will not have an endless pipeline of talent who would do anything to make it on a roster, Borland's decision will undoubtedly send a signal to players, parents, and possibly, the league.