Borland’s decision to walk away from NFL at 24 could be a game-changer 
Chris Borland said he wants to do “what’s best for my health.” ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff TAMPA — This one was different, and NFL folks knew it.This wasn’t Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown walking away from the game in his prime to pursue a film career, or 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis calling it quits due to an injured toe that wouldn’t heal well enough for him to play at his accustomed Pro Bowl level.When 24-year-old linebacker Chris Borland left his cleats, pads and heart in San Francisco four months ago, his was a retirement forged on speculation: What would his quality of life be after football?Well before he had concluded an outstanding rookie season, Borland found himself dwelling on the toll a violent game takes on its 1,696 participants.“I don’t think even the top neurologists truly understand the risks and the connections,’’ Borland said, regarding pro football and brain trauma. “There’s just too much unknown for me and there have been too many tragedies for me to be comfortable playing. I think the game is inherently dangerous.’’A $12 billion industry responded quickly, with NFL vice president for health and safety Jeff Miller saying, “We are seeing a growing culture of safety. Everyone involved in the game knows there is more work to do, and player safety will continue to be our top priority.’’Borland, a third-round draft pick out of Wisconsin, was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in November after earning the league-minimum $420,000, supplemented by a $154,000 bonus.As NFL training camps open this week, Borland’s stunning decision has triggered widespread reaction.“I think it’s an individual thing,’’ Bucs coach Lovie Smith said. “Yes, I was surprised by the announcement, like everyone else, but you have to respect a man’s decision. Retiring after one season — that didn’t just happen overnight. But I feel good about what we’re doing as a league in terms of safety.’’The NFL continues to implement rule changes designed to minimize head trauma, but those efforts remain a work in progress.“As we know, football isn’t just a physical sport, it’s a violent sport,’’ former Bucs quarterback Vinny Testaverde said. “With a little bit of luck, you stay fairly healthy and hopefully you can play with your kids and grandkids. I don’t know what all the studies show about concussions, but I think eventually it will have an effect on the game.’’According to former NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski, youth football already has taken a significant hit.“From the reports I get as chairman of NFL Alumni, you’re looking at about a 30 percent dropoff in participation in the little leagues, the feeder systems that are growing future NFL players,’’ Jaworski said. “If you’re dropping by 30 percent, that’s obviously going to have an impact on where the game is in 10 or 20 years.’’It’s too early to determine whether Borland’s decision to retire based on potential head trauma will turn out to be a game-changer. When he abandoned his NFL career after one stellar season, placing safety above a lucrative payday, Borland prompted his peers to examine their own priorities.“I loved Chris Borland’s game, but I can’t fault him for calling it quits,’’ Rams defensive end Chris Long wrote on Twitter. “His concerns are real. Still, it takes a man to do the logical.’’Chiefs coach Andy Reid doubts Borland’s decision will mark a turning point.“I think the league has done a great job in trying to make this game as safe as they can, and the NFL isn’t going to slow down with that,’’ Reid said. ”It was a personal decision on Borland’s part. I don’t know if that’s contagious or not. ... I don’t think it will be.’’As research on the link between pro football and brain injuries continues, Borland’s retirement looms as a provocative statement.“There are so many positive things that come from playing the game, lessons learned that you can relate to in life, and I tend to focus more on those things,’’ Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. ”The reality is we’ve gone to great lengths, particularly in recent years, to increase the safety of the game. I’m excited about where we are and where we’re going.“It’s a hot topic right now, but I imagine that’s been going on since the beginning of time, guys choosing to walk away from the game seemingly at an inopportune time when they have their youth and health. It’s the flavor of the month. If it’s a good decision for Chris, I respect it and champion that.’’On the brink of training camp and the daily collisions that ensue, Borland doesn’t sound like a man riddled with regret.“That has been the biggest surprise for me — people can’t get over the money,” Borland told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel earlier this month. “That’s all they think about. But your health is a little more important.” [email protected](813) 259-7833Twitter: @IKaufmanTBO
