After just one season in the NFL, 49ers linebacker Chris Borland walked away from the game citing concerns for his overall health, saying, “From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”
The 49ers quickly responded offering their support of Borland.
“While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris’ decision,” said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke. “From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from day one and a very well respected member of our team and community. Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best.”
The decision sent shock waves through the NFL establishment. Teammates, opponents and former players weighed in on social media.
Borland’s former Wisconsin teammate, Seahawks QB Russell Wilson:
Pleasure playing with you Chris Borland @UWBadgers and against you for the @49ers
Praying for you. #OnWisconsin
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 17, 2015
His 49ers’ teammates:
Michael Purcell
Stop doing what we love cause of our own safety.. It's not easy! It may be entertainment what we do.. But that's not the sole reason so have
— Michael Purcell (@m_purcell64) March 17, 2015
Headlines reading 'retired' respectable.. Saying 'quiting' is disrespect. This is our lives.. We try to make this our career and to have to
— Michael Purcell (@m_purcell64) March 17, 2015
Jonathan Martin
https://twitter.com/J_Martin71/status/577657354788827136
Chase Thomas
shocked to hear the news about my dude Borland, but i totally understand his decision to retire #muchrespect
— Chase Thomas (@CTcard44) March 17, 2015
Tramaine Brock
https://twitter.com/T26Brock/status/577672655085633537
Alfonso Smith
Oh wow I didn't see that coming! Praying my bro #ChrisBorland
— . (@FonzoRB29) March 17, 2015
Interesting note here from the Giants’ Geoff Schwartz about commitment. Speaks to the mindset of an NFL player.
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
You’ll have to carry the Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner off the field.
https://twitter.com/Bwagz54/status/577675890164813826
Chris Long, Rams
https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/577658165346623488
https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/577667274011705344
Kevin Zeitler, Bengals
It was a honor playing with Chris Borland at UW, I wish him nothing but the best!
— Kevin Zeitler (@kzeit70) March 17, 2015
Matt Overton, Colts
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
Brandon Marshall, Broncos
https://twitter.com/BMarshh54/status/577657990481870848
Former NFL’er Jesse Sapolu
Chris Borland retires smh. It’s difficult to understand, I’ve never seen it happen before, I can’t blame the kid because football is a violent game. It was a completely different mindset when I played. It seems like the more data and knowledge we have the more players are concerned about their life after football. Our approach towards the draft and free agency has changed. The lb position has just moved to the front of the line. This will not only test the resilience of our team but the strength of our fan base. Strength comes from being battle tested and we have been tested this off season. We have to stay strong and new light will shine tomorrow morning Niner Faithfuls as we move forward from another challenge.
Former WR Donte Stallworth:
It's unnerving to go through a season & witness multiple players knocked unconscious. The body is not meant to sustain that type of trauma.
— 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
