ZOMG - There's Actually an *Intelligent* UW Football Alum

[Benny B]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/296518641.html

Seriously, all UW sarcasm aside... this is a very bold - and very smart - move and the kid deserves credit for walking away citing the reasons he did.

[GGGG]

Guy was supposed to start too.

[Spotcheck Billy]

and to think I was disappointed that GB didn't draft him

[🏀]

This guy watched that OTL and went "huh?"

[chapman]

Can't argue with his decision or rationale.  Though as a Niners fan, we can't seem to win.  Both with this offseason and with promising third round picks who retire after their rookie campaign.

[GGGG]

Any thoughts as to whether or not the Niners dismal outlook for this year has anything to do with hastening his decision?

[chapman]

Any thoughts as to whether or not the Niners dismal outlook for this year has anything to do with hastening his decision?

Don't think it had much influence.  In the Willis case, absolutely believe that if Harbaugh or Fangio was coach he would be back.  Probably Justin Smith too, though he was still expected to weigh retirement either way.

[JuniorCardigan]

This guy watched that OTL and went "huh?"

if only Conte's ability as a safety was directly related to the width of his neck

[Spotcheck Billy]

Any thoughts as to whether or not the Niners dismal outlook for this year has anything to do with hastening his decision?

Today his father says that he told the family during the pre-season that this would be his only year, the new 1 and done

[GGGG]

Today his father says that he told the family during the pre-season that this would be his only year, the new 1 and done

Really?  That is borderline unethical.

[Spotcheck Billy]

Really?  That is borderline unethical.

Chris Borland's family knew of his retirement plans before 2014 season

Long before San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland publicly revealed his retirement from the NFL after just one season, his family was aware that his professional football career could be a short one.

In fact, Borland told his parents following the 49ers final preseason game on Aug. 28 that he was leaning toward retiring after the 2014 season. Still, he planned on making an impact on the field – even if it was for only one season.

"He passed a note to his mom and I after the last preseason game, thinking this would be his last year," Jeff Borland, Chris' father, told the San Jose Mercury News. "At the same time, and this is very important, he also expressed he planned to go all out and not hold back whatsoever. He set the loftiest of goals, and he maybe came within an ankle injury of achieving them."

Jeff Borland said even though he knew he would play only a year, Chris still wanted to prove that he could perform at the highest level.

"We kept it to ourselves. It wasn't a farewell tour. It was, 'Let's go see what we can do and see if we can do it at this level." Jeff Borland said. "The 49ers gave him a chance. An injury [to Patrick Willis] gave him an opportunity, and he got to prove to himself, if not others, he's not too short, not too slow and whether his arms are not long enough."
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/chris-borland-s-family-knew-of-his-retirement-plans-before-2014-season-185751856.html

[GGGG]

Hmmmm...so there is some hedging there ("...might be his last season.")

But you would think that he would have at least shared those thoughts with the Niners after the season.  But apparently they didn't know about this until he announced it.

[GooooMarquette]

Hmmmm...so there is some hedging there ("...might be his last season.")

But you would think that he would have at least shared those thoughts with the Niners after the season.  But apparently they didn't know about this until he announced it.

I don't think it's all that unusual.  Guys retire all the time, and I wouldn't be surprised if many of them waited to share their thoughts with their team until they're certain.  Given his young age, it had to be especially difficult to walk away from probably the highest paying job he'll ever have.

[brewcity77]

Jeff Borland said even though he knew he would play only a year, Chris still wanted to prove that he could perform at the highest level.

If he wanted to prove he could play at the highest level, telling the team could undermine that. If they would get rid of him in hopes of finding someone who would stick around longer, it would kill the opportunity to prove he can play.