San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Chris Borland had a terrific rookie season in 2014. Now he’s retired, after deciding to walk away from the game before any further risk to his long-term health.
NFL players react to Chris Borland’s retirement: ‘Bigger things than the game’
Borland’s retirement sent shockwaves through the NFL on Monday, catching players and fans off guard.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Borland is the latest player to retire early this spring, following the lead of Patrick Willis, Jake Locker and Jason Worilds, who all left the game with plenty of football remaining. Willis left due to foot injuries, Locker retired citing a lack of passion and Worilds joined the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Borland’s decision stunned many players, who took to Twitter in the immediate aftermath:
I understand but still shocked ((Chris Borland)) #49ers
— Tramaine Brock (@T26Brock) March 17, 2015
Oh wow I didn't see that coming! Praying my bro #ChrisBorland
— Alfonso Smith † (@FonzoRB29) March 17, 2015 It scares the shit out of me when i can't recall a name or forget where i put my keys as we all do. But thoughts of CTE always creep in.
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) March 17, 2015
So P. Willis and Chris Borland? They know something that we don’t?
— Brandon Marshall (@BMarshh54) March 17, 2015 No offense to anyone but I'm playing until I can't anymore. I love this game to much.
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz54) 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 I don't feel bad for Borland. I feel happy for him. He's made a tough choice.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 17, 2015
Pleasure playing with you Chris Borland @UWBadgers and against you for the @49ers Praying for you. #OnWisconsin
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) 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
It was a honor playing with Chris Borland at UW, I wish him nothing but the best!
— Kevin Zeitler (@kzeit70) March 17, 2015
Guys deciding to walk away from the game at a young age is a great reminder to us all that life has a bigger picture. I wish them the best!
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) March 17, 2015 49ers young star Chris Borland's retirement after one season is the beginning of many more to come. Best wishes, kid! http://t.co/SxTwvrCPL6
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 17, 2015 It's extremely difficult when you're living your dream of playing in the NFL as a 20-something to contemplate what life could be like at 50.
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 17, 2015 @RobertKlemko 49ers better not take that man's signing bonus. I'll be keeping an eye on that.
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 17, 2015 shocked to hear the news about my dude Borland, but i totally understand his decision to retire #muchrespect
— Chase Thomas (@CTcard44) March 17, 2015 My thoughts as well. RT @Bwagz54: No offense to anyone but I'm playing until I can't anymore. I love this game to much.
— Kyle Williams (@KyleWilliams_10) March 17, 2015 Nothing but love and respect for you @ChrisDec26. At the end of the day there are bigger things than the game of football #priorities
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) March 17, 2015 they're going to make a 30 for 30 on Borland in the future for spearheading the head trauma issue in the NFL, have 2 respect that decision
— Kyle Costigan (@KCostigan54) March 17, 2015 Borland is one of the toughest and smartest that I have ever witnessed play this game...Supporting his decision without question
— Jordan Fredrick (@jsfredrick9) 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 Just to be clear - I'm not criticizing Chris Borland. It's his decision. Good for him. It's the alarmist coverage of it i don't like.
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) March 17, 2015 Borland walks away from a promising NFL career after only one season, making 108 tackles with two interceptions and a sack. He was slated to replace Willis in the 49ers’ defense, but now leaves that job to Michael Wilhoite.
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