NFL player, 24, retires, citing brain injury concerns

Saying he wanted to "do what's best for my health," NFL linebacker Chris Borland, 24, has decided to end his professional football career just one year after it started, citing concerns about sustaining a brain injury in the league, which is still working out the final details of a concussion settlement that could total more than $1 billion in claims against the NFL. 

The rookie standout for the San Francisco 49ers explained his decision to leave in an interview with ESPN, which was the first to report Borland's retirement late Monday. "I just want to live a long, healthy life, and I don't want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise," he said. "I just honestly want to do what's best for my health ... I don't think it's worth the risk."

Borland was a star linebacker at the University of Wisconsin before being drafted by the 49ers in 2014. He played in 14 games for San Francisco, including eight starts, and made a team-high 108 tackles last season, along with two interceptions and one sack.

But Borland, who was about to enter the second year on a four-year contract worth an estimated $3 million, said despite on-field accomplishments, his decision to retire was "simple."  

"I think I'd have to take on some risks that, as a person, I don't want to take on," Borland said of continuing his playing career. 

"While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris’ decision," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said Tuesday. "From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision." 

Borland was set to take over for linebacker Patrick Willis, who retired last week at the age of 30 after playing eight seasons, because of recurring foot pain and a toe injury that limited him to just six games last season. 

Other players reacted with a mix of support and surprise to the news of Borland's retirement. 

Matt Overton, a player for the Indianapolis Colts, tweeted, "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!" 

"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," tweeted Chris Long, of the St. Louis Rams.

Others, like Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner tweeted: "No offense to anyone but I'm playing until I can't anymore. I love this game to much."

Attorneys for thousands of former players filed a class-action lawsuit back in 2012, accusing the NFL of knowing the dangers and risks associated with recurring head injuries and concussions and concealing the long-term effects of head injuries. 

An actuarial report prepared for the plaintiffs and released in September found that nearly 6,000 of the 19,400 former players still alive today will develop Alzheimer's disease or moderate dementia, the Associated Press reported. Furthermore, the report found that dozens of former players would be diagnosed in the future with ALS or Parkinson's disease.

Last week, both sides filed a defense of their final plans to settle the lawsuit and gain the approval of Senior U.S. District Judge Anita Brody. The deal is expected to cost the NFL more than $1 billion, with payments of up to $5 million for ex-players with severe cognitive illness and average payouts for dementia expected to be $190,000.

With wire services