Another SF loss: Chris Borland retires after just one season

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

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http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/sfs-borland-quits-safety-issues/story?id=29684367

That team has gone from the SB to a train wreck in 2 seasons.

This is a massive story, incredible.

Good for him. I think this is going to become a more common trend - first a trickle, then a waterfall.

Maybe this will get the NFLPA to try and make the NFL actually do something about Brain injuries

Wow this is not a good look to the League.
On the other hand you can trade Mayo for a kings ransom to the 49ers.
What defensive backs do they have?

While this years free agency has been a disappointment, the Niners have been having the offseason from hell.

Patrick Willis retires, Chris Borland retires, Justin Smith might retire, Frank Gore is in Indy, Stevie Johnson will be in SD or NE, Michael Crabtree's health is up in the air and probably won't be back, Mike Iupati is gone, Navarro Bowman still hasn't returned from his knee injury, Kaepernick's play has declined, and Jim Harbaugh has been replaced by Tomsula.

ChrisR2223 said:

Wow this is not a good look to the League.
On the other hand you can trade Mayo for a kings ransom to the 49ers.
What defensive backs do they have?

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Outside of Eric Reid who's a safety they have no one worth trading for.

I have mixed feelings on this. While the league does treat players like pieces of meat I can't help but feel like saying, really dude, you just realized now that the NFL is a violent sport?

Makes you appreciate what the pats have done which has truly been an unprecedented run

PatriotReign said:

Outside of Eric Reid who's a safety they have no one worth trading for.

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Borland was their top tackler despite only starting 8 games. Dan Skuta signed with Jacksonville. They lost both their starting corners from last season, Cox and Culliver.

I'd trade for Aldon Smith, but that's it. That team is a disaster.

primetime said:

Borland was their top tackler despite only starting 8 games. Dan Skuta signed with Jacksonville. They lost both their starting corners from last season, Cox and Culliver.

I'd trade for Aldon Smith, but that's it. That team is a disaster.

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Every night before he goes to sleep, Jim Harbaugh must look at his UM salary figure, think about what's happening in SF, and laugh his ass off.

primetime said:

Good for him. I think this is going to become a more common trend - first a trickle, then a waterfall.

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Exactly what I thought When I heard this.

Wow that is truly shocking and the sky was the limit for that kid......

I'd be smitten if the Pats had him on our roster......un-retiring of course

Rather keep and restructure Mayo.....we don't need anymore holes on our roster or we will compete with the Niners for most draft needs

primetime said:

Good for him. I think this is going to become a more common trend - first a trickle, then a waterfall.

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Makes no sense to, why turn profession and then quit after 1 year...why even turn pro if this is how he felt???

Pats can use this as a marketing ploy. Maximize your time in the league, get a ring while you're still young and can retire with your brain intact!

RxJock1120 said:

Makes no sense to, why turn profession and then quit after 1 year...why even turn pro if this is how he felt???

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Perhaps we should explore the possibility that he did not feel this way last year.

primetime said:

Good for him. I think this is going to become a more common trend - first a trickle, then a waterfall.

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We've been hearing that theory for decades. Is it possible that it will be true this time? Sure, but don't bet the homestead on it.

Deus Irae said:

We've been hearing that theory for decades.

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We have...?

RxJock1120 said:

Makes no sense to, why turn profession and then quit after 1 year...why even turn pro if this is how he felt???

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Made $650k, say 40% tax, 5% to agent, grabbed $350k for one year and went on his way.

dreighver said:

We have...?

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Those of us who are old enough to remember decades back have, at least. The "It's too violent. Mothers won't let their kids play in the future" was being heard at least as far back as the 70's, which is as far back as I can stroll down memory lane without getting into sippy cups and poopy diapers.