In an offseason that just keeps getting more and more bewildering, Chris Borland shockingly announced his retirement today. Borland cited many earlier head injuries and concussions in high school and college.
Borland certainly is looking to his future, bit you rarely see this after just one year in the league. One where he was very very good in replacing Patrick Willis. I wonder if they had inklings of this as they haven’t let Wilhoite or Brooks go and they need bodies back there.
This appears to be the new NFL paradigm though. Players looking to get out with their brains intact. 3 others retired aged 30 or under this past week.
Well, as every week goes by, our draft needs seem to change. This is certainly the case now.
Forty Niners Forever 
Stunning.
If it had to happen, I’m glad it happened ahead of the Draft at least.
Had he waited until another concussion occurred, not sure how Baalke could prepare for a replacement.
Wish Chris the best. I’m sure it wasn’t a hasty decision by the sounds of it.
Not a lot of talent depth at the ILB spot this year either.
Might change the pecking order for Baalke for sure come Draft Weekend.
Tough year to need a talented ILB. Wilhoit and Bowman are solid but behind them is thin and that’s if Bowman comes back good as new.
Hardy?
I hope thats the last weird bad news this offseason.
The one hope is both Biwman and Borland were 3rd round picks. Maybe some more LB magic out there.
My big fear is an injury-filled camp. After all this stuff nothing would surprise me.
Moody is about due to show something I’d hope.
Problem is, he saw time last year, and missed a ton of solo tackle ops in the process.
Eric Kendricks from UCLA is a tackling machine, as is Stephone Anthony and Ben Heeney.
Becomes a game of slotting them now, along with the other areas they hope to address in the process.
Wondering now if the Big Man Shelton has more value in the middle?
Hope Borland the best, he played great ball for us last year, he’s probably been using his body as a human missile for years. He will definitely be missed.
Retiring at 24? That’s unheard of…….am I right? Even Gayle Sayers lasted longer.
Probably a sign he’s not thinking too clearly Nipper?
Strange timing to say the least.
Just for the sake of accuracy, Borland says he’s only had 2 diagnosed concussions, one in high school playing football, the other in middle shool playing soccer. Doesn’t mean he hasn’t had other non-diagnosed injuries, but that’s what he said.
What do you say when a guy cites concerns over his health as the reason for retiring? It’s his head and brain injuries are generally permanent. CTE is one of the most devastating of all diseases. Good luck and fare thee well, Chris. But as a fan, what a disaster of an off-season.
I bet Baalke has a headache. Take two aspirins, Trent.
According to borlands father he was seriously considering these issues even before he was drafted
Lets be profound………BLEEP!
Robo-Backer!
Effn BLEEP ‘Dat!
The way this off-season’s been going, our Draft pick at #15 will probably announce his retirement right at the podium!
Seriously Alleykat 😀
“I’d like to thank the SF 49ers for affording me this opportunity but, I’m going to have to pass”
Whatever spirits were unearthed in Santa Clara, during stadium construction, might need some sort of sacrificial offering from us by the looks of it lately.
Sure hope we’ve paid our dues already?
While I understand the concerns Borland has with his health, why wait until you become a Pro to realize it?
Burned a perfectly good 3rd RD Draft Pick for 1 year of service.
Talk about a WI-FI Hotspot?
Looking more like a WTF?-Spot 😀
Hark! I just woke up with the Skeebs! What do I do? I don’t think my drug plan covers this…….
Amputate, it worked for me.
There’s 3 of you in the van now?
Niners should sign Tebow.
Nobody has snapped up Crabs yet. Shocker. Must be devastating to him.
A lot of passes to Crabtree were less than a step in front of him, some off of his fingertips. I thought he wasn’t running full speed thus creating the otherwise accurate throw. It seems other teams might be feeling the same after watching some film.
Lingering injury from ladt year? Probably.
Last
York doubles down. I guess we will see.