NFL rookie Chris Borland is quitting 49ers, pro football, over brain injury fears

San Francisco 49er Chris Borland is leaving the NFL after one season, citing concussion fears — (Image credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Linebacker Chris Borland was a leading tackler in his first season with the San Francisco 49ers last year, but he is walking away on that high note. Borland, a 24-year-old rookie, told ESPN's "Outside the Lines" on Monday that he is quitting pro football out of health concerns about repetitive head trauma. "I just honestly want to do what's best for my health," Borland said. "From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk."

The 49ers confirmed the news and wished Borland the best.

Borland said he made his decision after consulting concussion experts and former NFL players, and after playing through what he thinks was an undiagnosed concussion in training last year. "I just thought to myself, 'What am I doing?" he told ESPN. "Is this how I'm going to live my adult life, banging my head, especially with what I've learned and knew about the dangers?" Three other 30-and-under NFL players also announced their retirement in the past week, though none specifically cited fears about lasting head trauma.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.