Chris Borland’s retirement at 24 sparks debate

AN UP and coming US sports star made a stunning announcement this week, retiring at just 24 years of age. His decision has raised so many questions.

ON TUESDAY, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland made a stunning announcement.

He was retiring from football at the age of 24 because he fears the long-term effects of head trauma.

Borland is merely the latest player to announce an early retirement.

Already this offseason, Patrick Willis — Borland’s former teammate — as well as Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds have all hung it up pre-emptively while in their 20s and relatively healthy.

Sensing a trend, some NFL insiders are fighting against the perception that the sport is in danger.

Former NFL quarterback Danny Kanell mocked those using Borland’s retirement as another arrow in their quiver.

But amazingly one of his only TWO concussions came from playing SOCCER. Maybe we should just stop all organized sports. smh

— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) March 17, 2015

The anti-football crowd is loving the Chris Borland retirement. Doing their best to scare moms across the country.

— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) March 17, 2015

Eliot Wolf, the Packers’ director of player personnel, insisted however that there will always be demand to make an NFL roster.

Anyone worried about the future of football should see the amount of calls & emails we get from kids literally begging to get into pro days

— Eliot Wolf (@eliotwolf46) March 17, 2015

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter criticized Borland’s decision from an economic standpoint, saying he would be forgoing $540,000 for “six months of work” — a questionable claim, since players have to stay in shape year-round.

Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline let Schefter have it.

@AdamSchefter so we only work 6 months out of the year...?

— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) March 17, 2015

The NFL defended their safety precautions in a statement, saying “football has never been safer”.

“We respect Chris Borland’s decision and wish him all the best,” the statement read.

“Playing any sport is a personal decision.

“By any measure, football has never been safer and we continue to make progress with rule changes, safer tackling techniques at all levels of football, and better equipment, protocols and medical care for players.

Chris Borland.

“Concussions in NFL games were down 25 per cent last year, continuing a three-year downward trend. We continue to make significant investments in independent research to advance the science and understanding of these issues. We are seeing a growing culture of safety. Everyone involved in the game knows that there is more work to do and player safety will continue to be our top priority.”

While some execs and pundits decried Borland’s decision, players supported him, including Giants linebacker Devon Kennard and offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz.

Took a lot of guts to do what he did, much respect to Chris Borland! Best of luck in his next career!

— Devon Kennard (@DevonKennard) March 17, 2015

Got to respect Borland for clearly putting thought into his decision. If you're not 100% committed to this game, better to walk away.

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 17, 2015

WOW. I loved Chris Borland's game but I can't fault him for calling it quits. His concerns are real. Still it takes a man to do the logical.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 17, 2015

Players today are more concerned now than ever before regarding brain trauma and health issues. It's scary!

— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 17, 2015

In regard to Chris Borland.They should do a study on his upbringing and education. See how he defines success. He probably has a backup plan

— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) March 17, 2015

The 49ers announced Borland’s decision without offering specifics, but he told ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” he wants to do “what’s best for my health.”

Borland had a team-leading 108 tackles as a rookie, emerging as a punishing defender. The linebacker also had a sack and two interceptions.

“From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk,” Borland said in the interview.

“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.”

San Francisco general manager Trent Baalke said the team was surprised by his move, and called Borland a “consummate professional”.

Originally published as Chris Borland’s retirement at 24 sparks debate