04/18/24
March 16, 2015
SF 49er rookie Chris Borland retires at age 24 due to worries about his future health from concussions.:
"I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been, for me it's wanting to be proactive," said Borland. "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."
Faced with the prospect of playing for Jim Tomsula and eventual CTE, I'd go bag groceries at Safeway. I'd buy my own apron.
posted by beaverboard at 12:09 AM on March 17, 2015
For sure a hammer blow to the Niners but I have to respect a guy for passing up several million to avoid the possibility of debilitating injury.
posted by billsaysthis at 10:20 AM on March 17, 2015
I kind of wonder whether or not even base-level NFL salaries are now at such a point where the reward is enough over a couple of years to give up the long-term risk.
Borland only made a few hundred thousand last year, but he's got a free college degree and (presumably) a positive balance sheet at 24. There aren't very many people in the U.S. who weren't born rich who can say that, and he now can enter another career with a bit of a safety net under him.
These are all pieces of anecdata where guys are leaving money (MJD and Locker, a little; Worilds, Borland and Willis, a lot) on the table. It's certainly not a trend yet, but it's really inspiring to see even a few guys in their 20's analyzing research and listening to the older pros and choosing the long-term over the short-term. It's the only way the game will truly be reformed - if the star power dulls a little and the NFL can't ignore it anymore.
posted by dfleming at 12:09 PM on March 17, 2015
First, wow, a lot of retirees this year, and I don't imagine the trend will slow.
Second, wow, 49ers are toast.