Is this the visible beginning of the end for the NFL?
- Page 1 of 1
BERKELEY, Calif. – San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland, one of the NFL's top rookies last season, told "Outside the Lines" on Monday that he is retiring because of concerns about the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma.
Borland, 24, said he notified the 49ers on Friday. He said he made his decision after consulting with family members, concussion researchers, friends and current and former teammates, and studying what is known about the relationship between football and neurodegenerative disease.
"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."
http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/12496480/san-francisco-49ers-linebacker-chris-borland-retires-head-injury-concerns
Retiring after one season in the NFL due to fear of brain damage. Random case or something that will become far more common in the future?
Might have to consider going back to a less head contact driven game if this becomes the norm. Not sure though. Seems there are plenty of people who don't mind being meat shields for the pay and fame despite later issues.
By dbMight have to consider going back to a less head contact driven game if this becomes the norm. Not sure though. Seems there are plenty of people who don't mind being meat shields for the pay and fame despite later issues.
^this. I could see dudes retiring a lot earlier but I doubt giving up before that first big pay day is realistic. I mean its football.... people die playing that game in HS. People have been made quadriplegic playing that game for Free and people still sign on to do it in droves and I say this as a guy whose leg is still fucked from playing it in highschool over a decade ago
Don't think so. They'll find a way to adjust around this. They might need a leadership change at the top with someone new that's focused on a sustainable future for the league.
Though the Borland news is really surprising. He really only played half a season and he's calling it quits.
Though the Borland news is really surprising. He really only played half a season and he's calling it quits.
Well, Patrick Willis bailed, too.
Dude ain't played in the league long enough to catch a good brain-jiggle.
When the 49ers fired Jim Harbaugh, all bets were off.
Who wants to play for (insert-here) coach?
Finding all the excuses. I don't blame him.
Dude ain't played in the league long enough to catch a good brain-jiggle.
When the 49ers fired Jim Harbaugh, all bets were off.
Who wants to play for (insert-here) coach?
Finding all the excuses. I don't blame him.
i remember when league of denial came out on pbs sanjuro passed it off as conspiratorial flippancy. then again what can you expect from a fanbase where shitting in bill russell's bed is customary
to the point, beyond the cte stuff feels that there's a mounting frustration with a lot of the nfl's bullshit
to the point, beyond the cte stuff feels that there's a mounting frustration with a lot of the nfl's bullshit