San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Chris Borland shocked everyone when he retired today after a stellar rookie season last year. Borland, 24, was expected to be a productive and important player for San Fran in 2015, but he cited the dangers of head trauma as too big of a risk to continue his playing career.
The link between playing in the NFL and potential head injuries is irrefutable. As such, many saw Borland's decision as surprising yet very mature. However, not everyone shares this belief.
Tim Ryan, a former NFL on Fox analyst and current 49ers radio broadcaster, told Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle something much less supportive.
49ers analyst Tim Ryan says he's pissed off about Borland's decision.
— Ann Killion (@annkillion) March 17, 2015
Ryan also said "more power to him, hope he has no regrets." — Ann Killion (@annkillion) March 17, 2015
Tim Ryan said "Patrick Willis retired. Chris Borland quit."
— Ann Killion (@annkillion) March 17, 2015
Tim Ryan is also using the term "go out on your shield" about leaving football. That kind of stuff needs to stop. — Ann Killion (@annkillion) March 17, 2015
Ryan's thinking is provincial and potentially dangerous. Borland spent enough time playing through injuries as an undersized linebacker to never be called a quitter or have his toughness questioned. This decision likely did not come easily for Borland. In fact, it was probably one of the harder decisions he's ever had to make. Ryan is allowed to disagree with it but to criticize so bluntly is classless.
