In a decision which has shocked the American football fraternity, Chris Borland, a 24 year old linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers announced his retirement from pro football on Monday, citing concerns over risks of head injury.
The issue of concussions, its effects on the brain long-term and the risks involved have cast a dark shadow over the sport in recent years, and the founding executive director of Sports Legacy and ex-WWE wrestler Chris Nowinksi, who spoke to us about his experience of concussion's effects last year, told us that the reaction to Borland has been supportive so far.
"I think the general public has been very supportive. I think they're seeing the writing on the wall that it's guaranteed that some percentage of former NFL players will develop this disease. It's fair for him to say he doesn't want to be one of those people, no matter how much money you gave him," said Nowinski.
He also feels the risks are not just an issue for pros, but also are relevant for college athletes who may look to play the sport at university level while getting a scholarship-funded education.
"I don't think the education in college will ever be seen as a stepping stone because the risk of playing four years in college is the same as the risk of playing four years in the NFL. So if you're going to do it, you might as well get paid millions of dollars instead of getting a few thousand dollars off your tuition," he said.
Listen to the full interview via the podcast player:
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