Chris Borland on why he retired: 'It just wasn't what I wanted to do'
Chris Borland's decision to retire after an excellent rookie campaign with the San Francisco 49ers shocked the football world Monday night.
Borland recorded 107 tackles and two interceptions over 14 games, and appeared to be the heir apparent to Patrick Willis at inside linebacker for the 49ers.
Willis retired after eight seasons on March 10, citing foot injuries as one of his reasons for stepping away.
After announcing his retirement, Borland expanded on his decision to leave the NFL at the age of 24.
"I mean, if it could potentially kill you - I know that's a drastic way to put it, but it is a possibility - that really puts it in perspective to me. To me, it just wasn't what I wanted to do," Borland said to ESPN Outside The Lines' Steve Fainaru and Mark Fainaru-Wada.
Fainaru and Fainaru-Wada wrote the 2013 book 'League of Denial' that exposed numerous cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), concussions and other forms of brain trauma that plagued the league. Borland admitted to reading the acclaimed book last December.
"I kept it secret," Borland said. "You can't be in the locker room reading 'League of Denial.'"
San Francisco selected Borland in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and he excelled immediately, getting plenty of playing time among one of the deepest linebacker groups in the entire league.
"When people in your chosen profession shoot themselves in the chest, it causes you to be taken aback," Borland said. "Again, you may be able to play for a long time and be healthy, but it caused me to pause and think."
The 49ers' draft class from last season had a number of players make immediate contributions, but Borland was the crown jewel of the bunch. Even with the allure of a gargantuan salary, Borland seems content with his decision.
"At the end of the day, it's about a 24-year-old guy doing what's best for him," Borland said. "I welcome disagreement. I understand it. But I feel strongly about this decision. And I think those close to me and those that have done their research, even if they don't agree with it, they understand why."