NFL News: Chris Borland’s Retirement Sends Shockwaves To Current, Former Players

After just one season with the San Francisco 49ers, 24 year old Chris Borland has announced his retirement from the National Football League, or NFL, because of safety issues in playing in the highly-physical league.

Borland was appearing in the show, “Outside The Lines”, where he spoke in detail about his decision to retire from the NFL at an early age.

"I just honestly want to do what's best for my health. From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk,” Borland said. "I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been. For me, it's wanting to be proactive. I’m concerned that if you wait 'til you have symptoms, it's too late. There are a lot of unknowns. I can't claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long, healthy life, and I don't want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise.”

The San Francisco 49ers franchise respected the linebacker’s decision saying in an official statement that they “wish him all the best” in his future endeavours outside the NFL. Borland became the fourth player age 30 years old and below to announce his retirement from the game during the past week. Others like Pittsburgh’s linebacker Jason Worilds and Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker plus teammate linebacker Patrick Willis have also quit football at an early age.

In his only season with the 49ers and the NFL, Borland is credited 107 combined tackles with 1 sack and 2 interceptions in 14 games played in the 2014 regular season.

Not surprisingly, the entire NFL community was shocked with the news with former and current players sharing their thoughts on Twitter including St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long, former NFL running back Maurice Clarett and free agent wide receiver Donte Stallworth.

Email j.gloria@IBTimes.com.au to contact author.