BREAKING REPORT: LB Chirs Borland to Retire At Age 24

Photo Credit: Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

Photo Credit: Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland has told ESPN’s Outside The Lines  that he intends to retire due to the concern of a long-term injury.

Borland was regarded as one of the top rookies participating in the 2014 season. He played in the absence of linebackers Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman, creating a brand for himself. Unfortunately, that newly released brand will not be restocked.

Borland, along with a variety of others, have admitted to fears of long-term health issues. Borland told Outside The Lines, “I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health,” Borland proceeded, “from what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”

With the growing concern of chronic traumatic encephalopath, (CTE) there have been a variety of cases where players intend to leave the game at an early stage in their career; Borland’s case may be the earliest the sports world has seen, retiring at the age of 24.

Borland, who played for the University of Wisconsin, was selected in the third round. From the start, according to ESPN’s Mark Fainaru-Wada, Borland never intended his National Football League (NFL) career to be very long. The reaction from the general public is not far off from players in the NFL.

49ers’ general manager Trent Baalke stated, “While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris’ decision.” The exit of a future star is saddening to see, but the intent to leave the game due to health concerns is a, more than, difficult task.