Next week, if Navorro Bowman retires due to his knee not feeling better, would you be shocked?
I was watching TV when I saw my phone blink red with an ESPN alert. When I first read it, I thought it was some type of hack. I run upstairs to tell my wife and she was asking me what website did I see this on? She thought I was even being spoofed.
Chris Borland is retiring at 24 years young, after just one NFL season. He is walking away from millions of dollars, but he is going out on his own terms.
The greed in us fans wants Chris Borland out there. From weeks 7-15 last season, he had 98 tackles. He finished last year with 107 combined tackles and 2 interceptions (both in a win over Giants).
The 5'11" third round pick from Wisconsin said he wrote his parents a letter before the last preseason game. He just did not feel right. His reported last concussion was in high school. Borland told friends that he did not want to worry later in life and die earlier than expected.
"I just honestly want to do what's best for my health," Borland told "Outside the Lines." "From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk."
Borland said he informed the 49ers Friday of his decision. 49ers general manager Trent Baalke released this statement regarding Borland's decision Monday night:
"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."
Being around Chris Borland for a year, one thing that stands out is how serious and conscientious he seemed to be about everything.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) March 17, 2015
I am not sure where the road will lead Borland, but as long as he does not come back and join the Seahawks, I wish him the best in life.
