49ner Quits Over Concussion Concerns

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland said Monday he’s retiring from football over concerns about repetitive head trauma resulting in brain injury. The 24-year-old, who was one of the NFL’s top rookies last season, told Outside the Lines that he came to the decision after talking with family, concussion researchers, friends, and current and former teammates. “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.” More than 70 former players have been diagnosed posthumously with progressive neurological disease, raising concerns about the connection between football and brain damage.