Chris Borland walks away from millions

Mar 16, 2015 at 10:27 PM


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."



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.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.


8 Comments

  • trent
    Don't compare this fraud Borland to Navarro Bowman. We are not the selfish ones, we could careless about this quitter. He deceived the organization, wasted a good pick on him when he knew he was going to do this for years. He tried to make a statement, but he failed in my opinion and nothing you say will change that. This is what he is, a privileged kid, upper middle class, from the suburbs, never had to hold down a real job where you're underpaid and not sure if you can pay your rent. if he tries to make $1 off the sport of football, the game he was "too intellectual" for, he'll become a hypocrite.
    Mar 19, 2015 at 7:29 AM
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  • Dallas niner Fan
    Hey! how cum we didn't get a tweet from York apologizing for the off season?
    Mar 19, 2015 at 6:53 AM
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  • leakyfausett
    50 year FORMER faithful what does Borland retiring have anything to do with Jed, John or Baalke. Understand life or football i guess not. Get a grip and don't let the door hit you on the way out. Good riddance.
    Mar 17, 2015 at 10:38 AM
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  • 50 year FORMER faithful
    Doctors have recommended that John and Jed York retire from football due to evidence of multiple concussive symptoms and the repetitive bad decision making and preponderance of bullshit that emanates from the front office. Clearly neither one of those two think straight Unfortunately due to their collective 49 IQ and total lack of class or integrity they will be overseeing and encouraging the re-destruction of the once great franchise. Losing with Shame, Fragging the Faithful. York Football. Buh Bye Wins. ROTFLMMFAO STOP SPENDING MONEY PEOPLE YOU ARE GETTING TAKEN
    Mar 17, 2015 at 6:07 AM
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  • Doss
    Wow...what a shocker! Hits just keep on coming. Where do we go from here?
    Mar 17, 2015 at 4:59 AM
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    Response: Arena football.
  • Bilal19
    Players are becoming more aware of health problems after football and putting themselves first. Much respect to those players who see the big picture.
    Mar 17, 2015 at 4:05 AM
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  • Mark Patito
    Shit, I hope Michael Wilhoite doesn't get a hang nail
    Mar 16, 2015 at 11:40 PM
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  • Joe
    Not to sure about this one!! What the heck is going on?? Damn
    Mar 16, 2015 at 10:44 PM
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    Response: I dont know. If justin smith retires and bowman cannot go again this year it is going to be a long year.

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