NFL Player Retires for Fear of Head Injuries

It is certainly an interesting choice.

(CNN)You’re a 24-year-old professional football player. You signed a nearly $3 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers and banked a $600,000 bonus. You’re looking real pretty after a stellar rookie season. But there’s something seriously bothering you. You keep thinking, what if, one day, all those hits, thoseconcussions, add up? Is your health really worth the risk?

Chris Borland said Tuesday night that it just wasn’t, and he has chosen to retire from the NFL to avoid long-term injuries he could suffer from head injuries.

“I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health,” he told ESPN. “From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk. … I’m concerned that if you wait (until) you have symptoms, it’s too late.”

It is certainly his right and responsibility to weigh the risks and rewards and decide on his future. One wonders how this will effect lawsuits against the NFL for injuries when, as Borland has proven, every player has the ability to NOT play the game.

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