49ers Chris Borland retires

I'm starting to wonder if more players are going to do this. Me thinks Larry Sanders from the NBA has started a chain reaction.

 

WTH? I mean that kid hasn't even made his money yet. I can understand guys who have made a few million saying 'that's enough', but a guy who hasn't even pulled in a million yet?

 

I cant understand a guy who's life is football walking away once he's about to make it big. The concerns have always been around surrounding concussions. And the game is the "safest" its ever been. Its impossible to predict at this time but there's a really good chance that we wont have brain dead NFL players in their 40s anymore because of all these precautions/rule changes/and player usage.

Obviously you put yourself at risk every time you step out on the field but its so much less or a risk right now then it was 20 years ago.

Maybe its an ignorant way of thinking but to me these guys are running away scared. A team spent a high draft pick on your talent. Dont enter the draft next time.

 

You know the other thing... even in the college ranks. Some of these guys are good at football but absolutely hate it.

 

Actually he really loves the game, and from what I hear had a hard time making this decision.

He may not have a ton of money, but he is apparently going for his Masters degree now. I'm sure he'll be just fine.

 

That is true. But no one forces these guys to sign the contract. Borland seems like a smart guy. Kinda have to be to realize the long term affects of football without being brainwashed by the money. No doubt he could've found a job when he graduated and been successful at that instead of going the football route.

But most likely he will do that now so good luck to him.

 

Man, when it rains it pours. I feel really bad for San Fran

 

Dayum.

 

he will regret that decision.

 

This is exactly right. Not sure if anyone remembers Andre Johnson, the big Penn State tackle that got drafted in the 1st round by the Skins in the 90s. He went to high school in Southampton (I went to East Hampton) and I remember after he ended up busting out talking to some guys who knew him at the barbershop. He said he just played football because he was good at it, but hated it and didn't have the passion for it. I think there are more of these guys then we can imagine...

 

i thought i heard he suffered 2 concussions last year. if thats the case how can you blame him? if you havent dealt with the ramifications of a concussion or more multiple concussions you really cant comment on his motivation or how or why he did something.

lets face the facts, these fucking guys are too big and too strong and too fast and create too big of collisions out there. and he made 420,000 dollars last year. if he is smart, which it appears he is. he probably bought a home and will use his college education to find some kind of employment. id say he did a great job.

i would not want my child playing nfl football these days, i am all for it up through college and will probably never have to worry about making the choice but i would have no interest in him playing in the nfl. use the sport, enjoy the sport, get your education using the sport and then move on. theres no need to go out there with these ped freaks and ruin your body.

 

I don't blame him at all. Playing football requires an assumption of risk that you will suffer long term health issues. Some guys are willing to accept that risk for the $, fame, and glory. Some are confident that they can find another career that doesn't involve repeatedly slamming their heads into things. He's making a choice while he still can. Good luck to him.

 

I think no one wants to play for Jed York. That's my opinion. What a shitty owner.

 

Absolutely wish him the best. Maybe he can still find work in football in other areas.....

 

I honestly believe there's a degree of truth to this.

 

Does seem too weird to all be coincidence

 

Call me jaded, but didn't HGH testing start last year?

It's not like possible head trauma is a new problem in the NFL. Why are all these players quitting this year?

 

it's a shocking decision.. guy really balled out last year, and looked like a pro-bowler in the making.
i'm not sure if he had football passion or not, but he definitely played like he did.

personal decision, and he made his, so i have no problem with it.
the sport at minimum uses up your body quickly, and could end much worse than that.
he chose his long term health over money and fame.
complex and interesting decision no doubt..

 

i also think that the situation in san fran has not been a big help.