One of the more surprising moments of the NFL offseason occurred back in March when former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland retired after just one year in the league.
For Borland—a former first-team All-American at Wisconsin—the decision was about much more than money. In announcing his retirement, the linebacker had this to say:
“I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health. From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”
Now, months removed from making that life-changing decision, Borland finds himself surprised by the reaction he’s received regarding the stunning retirement, especially from a monetary standpoint:
“That has been the biggest surprise for me.