49ers LB Chris Borland Retires Over Safety Issues

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland announced Monday that he is retiring because of concerns about the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma. Per ESPN:

quote:

---

Borland, 24, said he notified the 49ers on Friday. He said he made his decision after consulting with family members, concussion researchers, friends and current and former teammates, as well as studying what is known about the relationship between football and neurodegenerative disease.

"I just honestly want to do what's best for my health," Borland told "Outside the Lines." "From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk."

---

Borland was scheduled to make $540,000 this season.

His deal with the 49ers was a four-year contract worth just under $3 million, which included a signing bonus of $617,436.