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The unexpected announcement that second-year linebacker Chris Borland is retiring from the NFL is sending shockwaves through the league. He's only 24, was one of the league's leading tacklers and a young core player who was developing in San Francisco. Instead, after consulting with his family, friends, concussion researches, and out of fear of head injuries, he retired.
"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. I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been. For me, it's wanting to be proactive," Borland said. "I'm concerned that if you wait 'til 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."
Football is physical, violent, and and risky!! It's a business decision!! #Respect to those who do it and to those who choose not too!
— Andrew Whitworth (@BigWhit77_fndn) March 17, 2015
Kevin Zeitler played with Borland at the University of Wisconsin.
It was a honor playing with Chris Borland at UW, I wish him nothing but the best!
— Kevin Zeitler (@kzeit70) March 17, 2015
"@ProFootballTalk: 49ers LB Chris Borland retires after only one season http://t.co/uoBUGTjDZa" Wowww, dude balled out last year too, crazy
— George Iloka (@George_iloka) March 17, 2015
"@SteveGalloNFL: @George_iloka But understandable, no?" Definitely understandable. Everyone has to make the best decision for themselves
— George Iloka (@George_iloka) March 17, 2015