Why the NFL Should Be Scared of Chris Borland | FRONTLINE

[@matthewbo4055]

Chris's comment at the end. "I don't really watch football anymore" hit me right in the feels

[@dtdtalktruth9734]

That's because he was hurt to know it was all fake, if you don't play their game you out...

[@aprlv6732]

The funny part is about 90% of the people who watch the nfl have NEVER put on a helmet and pads and ran full sprint into someone else running full sprint into then head first. It’s the most violent collision you’ll ever feel . I don’t blame this guy one bit .

[@kimjongun269]

I have I put helmet on and pads in my living room it's close enough.

[@applescruff1969]

@@kimjongun269 I hope this is a joke.

[@UGOSOSUBLIME]

@Take1 I had plays where my brain would blank out( go black after getting hit) and I would brush it off and kept playing. Looking back I regret that.

[@eriklarson4082]

@@UGOSOSUBLIME Yeah it puts you in autopilot mode. One of them got me so good that I had an out of body experience where I was disconnected from my body and had a birds eye view of my body from above like my spirit left my body. Stupidly I played the rest of the game and did surprisingly good in that autopilot mode. I knew it was bad when I had no memory of the plays or game after the hit even though I was playing good. It did some damage though that's for sure, I was never able to take hits the way I did before and when I did, it put me in autopilot mode again.

[@kenbuck2293]

I feel y’all after every game I’d feel like my whole body was involved in some sort of accident. My body would be destroyed

[@lookslikerain6758]

went to high school with this dude. even had the pleasure to play football with him. hes a monster that knows his limits

[@silversam1387]

looks like rain liar

[@mysticmac2025]

silver sam what was your number in high school?

[@glockspecific7757]

Really tho? Like somebody isn't going to call you out

[@rontoon4873]

I don't blame him for not wanting to play football its not worth getting brain damage. CTE is really bad.

[@Tobyee]

👍👍👍

[@nedisahonkey]

As a 49ers fan i was dissappointed on a personal level but I completely understand his decision. This is an extremely intelligent man who won't risk his own health for a paycheck.

[@robertgarcia7024]

Yep, I just wish he would have thought of that before so we have not wasted a draft pick on him.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Ned he played for 9 years before he was in the NFL so being a baby about it when he retired and now just makes him seem slow.

[@nedisahonkey]

Dan Nolan I don't know how deciding to put your health before a paycheck is "acting like a baby".

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

That by default is not it is his bitching about it and many here who bash the NFL but just ignore all the years he agreed to play before he got there. Like Jr Seaus family trying to make money off suing the NFL for him going crazy. Did they sue his high school and pee wee team also? Most Americans and humans do not know how serious car accidents can look or the long term effects if you survive a bad crash either. They dont show videos like that make drunk drivers watch. If he was as extremely intelligent as you claim he would of not agreed to play in the first place 9 years before he got there. Just like all the people who get killed in a car crash or permanently injured they would of been smarter not to get in.

[@nedisahonkey]

Dan Nolan He never said that college and high school football wasn't dangerous either. And i don't think he's bashing the NFL as much as he's trying to encourage them to make changes to make the game less likely to cause traumatic brain injuries.

[@woodywoodlstein9519]

This guy is a true human being. He's the prime example of a smart person. Basic intelligence. He's a hero for doing what's right. Doesn't wanna hurt anyone and doesn't want to be hurt.

[@jackryan9183]

Good for you Chris. Smart move. Good health is invaluable.

[@fireblaze1034689]

Same smart move... I'm playing high school football and already tooken a blow (concussion) and if I take another one I'm done with football. I'm not sure if I should keep playing because I'm good at it or I should play a different sport like soccer or basketball.

[@tobycox3428]

+Bacon look into lacrosse

[@venicemackay9244]

is concussion a big thing in horse riding

[@tobycox3428]

Venice Mackay lol doubt it, if you fall off a lot it could be

[@venicemackay9244]

yeah he seems like a very smart guy who want to keep it that way.

[@BoojSportsCards]

Literally my hero... Ive been devasted with head injuries in football and I give Chris my biggest props and support. I cant believe he stood up for this.

[@re4477]

The NFL is nervous about a lot of things. They got drunk off of their own kool-aid.

[@jorgedelrincon]

and now more nervous than ever with the truth coming out about scripted outcomes of games

[@shabazzakataino]

Nervous is a understatement, they were so worried they paid out 1400 families 675 million dollars only on the terms that they wouldn't have to be held accoutable about the truth concerning CTE. THE NFL IS SLAVERY ALL OVER AGAIN.

[@blackanimelover18]

@@jorgedelrincon I knew one of you dumbasses would comment this stupid shit. Lol grow up

[@chrisolga3]

Health over millions is the right decision. You want to grow old and have your health and your five sense intact.

[@bulkyspud1842]

Silver Sam? What a 6th sense. You’re right seeing ghosts will bring it from 5 to 6 lmao

[@assjulio79]

Not only that. It took me 10 years to make the 600k he got up front. I’m sure he took home 1-2 mil after that. Great move

[@tionlover]

bulky spud there are actually 7 senses. Go look up vestibular system and proprioception

[@leetorry]

@@user-if1de8pt2j it doesnt even look like bait

[@TheBurninator50]

Every man dies, but not every man really lives.

[@mikelake2796]

Dude was a beast. I was so sad when he retired. I'm happy for you now, Chris. Stay gold, be well.

[@Sayless_Boogie93650]

im a niner fan i was upset when he retired dude was bad ass.

[@doggybone3303]

Yas same! That dude was dominating

[@Sayless_Boogie93650]

Lil Bibby I played football I know what its like.

[@badgers4life69]

+Boogie Baeza what? Pee wee? These are grown ass men.

[@Sayless_Boogie93650]

Bryan Aguilar really? 2 months later? 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@youngslick9361]

+Lil Bibby they don't tackle with their fucking heads there are ways of tackling if u love the sport ull play regardless of what it is professional football that's why he got drafted because he wanted to entertain I respect his decision tho that's all we can do now do u imply the same for ufc fighters who at times take a fucking knee to the tempo no right!!!

[@johngluck6938]

I don't blame him. Who wants to be a 40 year old man who can't even talk any more, and go insane from teh head injuries? Good move on his part.

[@Vincent-gt3gx]

I am proud that Chris would walk away from the NFL. He stood up for what was right. Wait A Go Chris!

[@silversam1387]

Vincent Benjamin gay

[@munsteerarla6585]

Derek zarn who the fuck do you think you are?

[@Weimerica_Watch]

It's "way to go"

[@cjtaylor2359]

@@voteZDLR Or you correct him and he learns. You fat sack of trash.

[@frontrowtennis]

If you ever watched Chris Borland play you would see a man who goes all out 100% of the time with total aggression. He makes up for his lack of size with brain power and pure will. He knew his style of play was much more likely to lead to CTE than others. I applaud the man.

[@justinreilly1]

Thank you so much to Frontline for covering this very important subject so well!

[@moopoo123]

Q

[@AFIG92]

I think this is the same reason why Patrick Willis retired....he just was not as direct as Borland

[@Barely___Editing]

A. Figueroa toe injury but I'm pretty it was about his overall health

[@boxertest]

I respect him, health over money, WISE MAN :-)

[@boxertest]

Lil Bibby I wish you the greatest success in the career you choose.

[@opentrunk]

+boxertest For a second i thought that was a photo of Bob Marley and i was gonna say he sure didn't pick health. Could have paved a road with his lungs.

[@boxertest]

opentrunks Yes it is a pic of Bob, I'm from the Caribbean.He didn't die from lung cancer, he died from melanoma(skin cancer). .

[@TalladegaTom]

3 in 10 is an astonishing stat. :(

[@jordanpugh6285]

That was an NFL sponsored study. I'm sure the statistics are higher.

[@zoaconstrictor]

+Talladega Tom It's more like 9 or 10 in 10. There are varying degrees of the damage done, but all NFL players have brain damage. It is just significantly visible in 3 of 10.

[@opentrunk]

+Talladega Tom 10 out of 10 people who drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes have brain damage. Most of them, not all, still function just fine.

[@jordanpugh6285]

You can't compare cte to substance abuse. It's not the same at all. Cte causes your brain to shrink in half do to the massive kill off of brain cells in the frontal lobe. It literally causes people to go insane, clinical depression, extreamly impulsive. These deaths are tragic. Substance abuse dose cause brain damage but not near on the same level. And the consequence of that is dopamine imbalance mainly. Not at all the same.

[@johndough23]

The Doctor doing the research shows a rate pushing 100%. This extends down to pee-wee football.

[@vince01lp]

Look at Luke Kuechly, who was really one of the best and in his short career, he was a six-time all pro, won both DROY and DPOY, but the concussions eventually forced him or realized that playing furthermore was pointless, thus retired at the age of 29. Borland was good and could have been another Kuechly, but he made his decision by deciding that money was not worthy enough to sacrifice his health and wellbeing. Hope that he is doing well.

[@mannyfrencha5736]

I gotta buddy that got his undergrad degree in health. He asks the question, "What's more important than your health?" It really threw me for a loop, yet, it's something I never gave much thought to. I commend this dude to the fullest 💪🏽👏🏽💯!

[@jo0123]

Why just blame NFL, college football is just as dangerous and they don’t pay players and expect them to be a full time student while talking all that hit.

[@onetwothree257]

He made it to the league and proved that he had talent to succeed. I'd say that's enough closure to walk away.

[@Physician-as-Patient-Tales]

That flying tackle is the coolest I've ever seen.

[@MrOldheadtom]

Maybe look up some of polamalu

[@ButterBallTheOpossum]

Troy Polamalu had a nice one too. Not as cool as this one though

[@JessJayEel]

The poor urban people that the NFL capitalize on today would not make that same choice. Money is a huge factor on why someone chooses to stay in the NFL. This is why this whole issue will soon be ignored. As long as the people with poor backgrounds are athletes to this league, it will survive a very long time.

[@SSDJ816]

very good point. It's still pretty unfortunate

[@youngslick9361]

Damn that's very true

[@TheHumbleAv]

Jess J yeah I wouldn't go that far. NFL is pushing the game to places like Europe and the South equator. Those governments have backbones against corporates so they'll be forced to do something sooner or later, if they are looking at the survival of NFL.

[@henrykingfire6236]

yeah

[@ChrisLogan787]

Jess is exactly right.

[@rayshardrobinson7878]

I salute this man, he did what was best for him. Can’t knock him for his decision

[@novaturbkkk]

im a uk lad, saw this video up on my daily feed thought why not i have always liked watching american football shows this man has a strong love for the game how good he was with his talent but even more a smarter man giving the game up for safe guarding his health and life stay strong chris b

[@kappedgaming8913]

Miss him as a LB him and bowman could've been unstoppable

[@jenmareck8669]

QOTD: There's far more important things in life than winning a football game.

[@apelife9781]

Only way to solve this problem is to ban helmets from the game. No player will dive in headfirst without a helmet unless he wants to break his neck. Players would naturally go for the legs or wrap up tackle..

[@jonjone661]

Aj Gervacio facts bro that's why rugby is relatively safer.... gotta decrease the size of shoulder pads and whatnot though

[@SOCCERSUCK123]

Aj Gervacio it won't be football anymore

[@ceezy585]

Grant Lyon where did you read rugby is safer? Def is not they wear no pads whatsoever and get even more concussions. Straight savages. Go lookup rugby injuries

[@erickirschenbaum2804]

geezy, rugby is safer in terms of concussions, because of proper tackling techniques instead of just hitting the guy in front of you (most times with the helmet). In 10+ years of playing rugby I had 2 concussions, and they were my fault. In terms of injuries, football and rugby are close to each other, thanks to football pads, thye dont have that much upper body injuries, but they still happen.

[@codyking3825]

Ceezy585 Gta5 Tips and tricks rugby is way safer. Guys in the nfl don't know how to tackle proble, they just dive head first into players. The emphasis should be on better tackle techniqie

[@cristianmunoz2480]

He seems so humble and kind but man this dude was a fucking beast on the field.

[@fetuscassidy5479]

I am so tremendously proud of him, sticking to his morals. Huge 49ers fan, and I had to own this dude's signature. It's so rare to see this kind of integrity.

[@lindseyluna13]

I was never a big fan of foot ball but when that study came out recently about what was seen post mortem on ex football players I cant support it morally. I understand that football is a major past time but damn, people's brains are worth more than temporary entertainment.

[@lordsilveresp5474]

yeah well no one forces them to play. so until they diced they no longer wish to get paid millions of dollars to entertain us then don't bitch about it.

[@thebiggeridiot]

+Lord Silver Esp sure they don't get forced to play but then again do they know exactly what they are getting into? well the majority doesn't know the exact issues they will face, this video shows that as chris is a part of that majority.

[@Chandon1]

+Lord Silver Esp your right no one forced them to play but the problem that you're missing is that the NFL lied for years about the issues & affects of concussions to doctors, researchers, the public & most importantly to the players in the league. Team doctors & staff would lie to players telling them that they are fine & send them back into the game after being hit & knocked out or hit & dizzy etc. So what they did is strip the choice of players by denying them the information of what could happen to them by keeping on playing after head injuries & just playing in general. That's what the big deal is about & it should be. I love football & watch every Sunday & I have no problem if guys want to play as long as they know the full risks the TRUE risk of the game & if they want to play after that go ahead but they need to know & thats what the NFL took away. Players died because of that, that's some dirty shit & you could call that murder because they knew what they were doing.

[@Yumadlol]

its the same as boxing

[@johngluck6938]

Yes it is. You are correct.

[@feuerhaus1296]

being a former D1 football player I worry about the future affects of head injuries / concussions. Glad there is continued research on head injuries/ CTE.

[@jcdova29]

Much respect to Mr. Borland. Hopefully the damage he suffered prior to NFL isn’t enough to provide him with a healthy post football life.

[@jimwalker7486]

My life was destroyed. No joke

[@grizzlemc1662]

@@jimwalker7486 Jesus will give u strength. we can go through anything in this life if we are wrapped up in Jesus. this life is just temporary and then we must stand before the Lord. God loves us all and wants us to be with him forever in heaven but we must accept him now as Savior and Lord.

[@jraukstraveladventuriusdes5258]

Very Brave and Smart move bro!! As a former Nfl defensive lineman I along with many former and current players are suffering with the unknown effects of the sport we loved playing. That’s why it’s a on going concussion suit that is still lingering on and the Nfl not doing their WHOLE part to help us former players with the MENTAL and PHYSICAL issues we are going through. This was a great story behind the scenes of what goes on and again I CONGRATULATE CHRIS for bringing a LIGHT to the World about the TRUTH. peace and Blessings 👍🏿

[@conservativegrandpa1801]

wow that's impressive going to the nfl are you doing well today.

[@ghostlyphantasm2352]

I'm English - a Limey to you lot! But I have to say I really respect the journalism on this topic

[@fugeekue8741]

More power to Chris Borland, you made your choice.

[@Super-yw7ss]

Watching Football this weekend, hope and pray for all those players safety.

[@Jonnypgarcia]

He’s pretty smart, I don’t blame him. Football is just asking for a shitty life after 35 if you make it that far. Go look at all retired NFL players after life documentaries, those guys can barely move anymore. It takes a fucking toll on your body. Those guys are the modern day gladiators for fame and fortune.

[@binzsta86]

3.5 million for a four year contract only? Not worth it.

[@mattyice1151]

800k/year to play a game isn't bad lol

[@erickirschenbaum2804]

they used to get payed a lot more, now with the new stipulated rookie contracts, they are really cheap for their first 4 yrs.

[@voteZDLR]

@@erickirschenbaum2804 Correct Eric is right, that's in effect actually why Aaron Rodgers went 24 rounds undrafted as well. Rookies were too expensive then. The way it works now actually makes a bit more sense honestly and it allows teams to get great talent for cheaper at least for a while but when it comes time to look at those contracts again... if they're good they're gonna be worth more than what they'd have originally gotten just anyway so it's not even that the rookies are being ripped off, either. For the most part ;)

[@cnsmiles]

Matthew Lane include California+federal tax and take off another 500k from that $800k. we have not even talked about agent and lawyer fees. Probably less than staff hospital physicians.

[@ha9297]

Watching football is exciting. But no amount of fame and money can become a substitute to health. Any sane person would never play football and intentionally ruin his life

[@dimitraBlissDk]

My one and only ever husband, who I finally divorced because I couldn't take the increasing rages, lack of impulse control, and other behavior inconsistencies, played college and some NFL. I tried watching the original frontline documentary on the NFL and concussions with him. He got up and quietly left after about 15 mins. He could not watch it. I have so much I could say but I just want to I still worry about him. One can never help anyone who will not help themselves.

[@uvuvwevwevweosas4459]

Sorry for hearing that. I wish you good luck in life. Did he play football at highschool or younger ?

[@dimitraBlissDk]

yes, high school then got a college scholarship and then went to the NFL. articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-08-04/sports/9308040096_1_tackle-van-horne-bears

[@jimwalker7486]

It's sad, sorry you had deal with his emotional hell.

[@claybailey3909]

Most players don’t play for money they play to win but Chris Borland is on the 49ers he doesn’t know what winning is

[@drvijil]

The NFL needs to go to the past to deal with the head trauma crisis. Football helmets and all pads should be eliminated from the game. So called protective gear causes players to be totally uninhibited when it comes to blocks and tackles. The helmet itself does nothing to protect the brain from concussions. Rugby is a example of a sport that is rough, entertaining, fills stadiums and watched on TV. The NFL can do the same.

[@daver5120]

Interesting point. Thx.

[@TheHumbleAv]

D Roman it's a business. Only when they are forced to do something then they'll do it. helmets costs 500+ us with pads 200+ Top quality, and the game is growing internationally.

[@linzierogers6227]

It too is vicious and brutal.

[@otismichael2583]

People used to die in the past. Head trauma has always been in football. If you really want make it safer get rid of the foward pass.

[@bigmac22ify]

Football is way tougher than rugby no offense but you would die if you took some of they do without gear

[@GWOSAPAT]

Smart man

[@handsomethanos9072]

I'd rather make love to the devil than have a conversation with Roger Goodell. ~LazarBeam

[@josheubanks370]

As a life long Niner fan I was sad to see such a gifted player leave the team but I respect his decision. It raised awareness to a situation that has got to be addressed, the game is not worth the players lives and future

[@trenorman832]

I heard this cat on Arian Fosters podcast. It blows my mind how many guys acknowledge the risk but still play. It's sort of a warrior mentality but this dude is very smart and is now a teacher.

[@abbyrose6998]

WOW!!! That was a tough choice..

[@TampaJohn]

I'm wondering if the NFL will be around in 10-20 years. There's so much shit happening.

[@shrek19yearsago78]

It wont it will just change

[@pdad58]

My son stopped playing after his sophomore year of high school. He doesn't miss it after not playing for the last 4 years. Hopefully he gets that important piece of paper in 2 years!

[@django628]

People should be able to look at the risks and decide for themselves.

[@jordanpugh6285]

Good for him.

[@jimwalker7486]

Smart man!!

[@classifiedfiles8085]

I also quit football this year my senior year of high school for my health's saftey. Im just going to focus on grades and also lifting 💯

[@samekogan]

People are on here saying they can't "morally support" football, yet, they are not the ones playing the sport. Don't feel sorry for the players that involve themselves in football. That's THEIR decision. Any moral compass is pretty irrelevant here. Do I agree that it is a dangerous sport? Sure. It has been proven. Still, there are people who go into it knowing this but love the game and decide to play it. So unless you are of the likes of Chris Borland, put away your white picket fence.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Yeah, If a player needs a CTE report to convince them football is dangerous or too dangerous to keep playing I would say they sound like they were stupid in the first place. I would say Chris why did you play for 9 YEARS BEFORE you were in the nfl? if your health was so important to you? Why were you a lb? Lb is one of the most dangerous positions in football. How many players play tackle football for 8 years or more and retire after college because they are not good enough for the NFL or CFL at all and have cte?

[@GWOSAPAT]

Love and hate for the game. Love the excitement that it brings, the life lessons. But it doesn't justify the suicidal act of playing football. I still watch and enjoy it on that level but would never introduce or influence my son to play

[@silversam1387]

GWOSAPAT you are gay

[@VioletDeliriums]

how about other people's sons? is that ok gwosapat?

[@connorwilson1561]

Yes it does

[@connorwilson1561]

If he wants to you should let him try it

[@andrewhall7930]

At the end he gives the statistic that 3 in 10 players will have brain damage, but when you figure that certain positions would inherently much much higher incidence rates (notably, Running Back, Receiver, DB, TE and all lineman) his decision seems all the wiser. Being a punter is probably pretty safe. The solution has to be better helmets.

[@haitianrefugee8454]

I really enjoyed watching Borland play at Wisconsin. It takes self discipline to deny yourself the sport you love to protect your health because those who have played love the physicality & competitiveness of the sport & that's why people also love to watch it. I don't understand why his signing bonus must be paid back but the NFL is an evil empire trying to make examples of cities & people who don't read from their play book.

[@stormteam3004]

Refs manipulate the outcomes of games which means they are rigged anyway. Rigged enough to pay some 35 million a year. If I payed someone that kind of $, I'd try to protect them but these billionaire owners know someone else will take the place of the players once they are to messed up to compete. All for more $.

[@exxodas]

Real American hero, what a noble thing he did.

[@davidholcomb9393]

That is part of why I don't begrudge NFL players or Hockey players either for their huge contracts. They are always taking a health risk.

[@mariojohnson4695]

I’m from Wisconsin and Chris Borland was one hell of a player for the Badgers. I respect his decision to leave the game. Football is a great sport, but the toll on your body is undeniable. What makes it worse is NFL players contracts aren’t guaranteed, except for the signing bonus. A NFL career is short, but in that short career you could be looking at lifetime medical issues. NFL players compared to other professional sports leagues don’t make enough money for the punishment that they take. Once the high profile players like quarterbacks, left tackles or a defensive lineman or pass rushers get their money, the rest of the team gets what’s left. So the potential nagging injuries and possibly head trauma associated with the game may not be worth the risk.

[@branon6565]

I started playing full contact, tackle football at age 6, and was a defensive standout all the way to San Jose State Univ. I LIVED for smashing running backs and Qb's, and have zero lingering effects so far, and I'm 44yrs old already...not discounting any of the health issues other former players are dealing with, but come on, not all of us are unhealthy....and as a Niner fan, Chris Borland was a beast, but piss on him for shitting on the sport I loved to play and still love to watch...

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

I'm so proud of him!

[@daver5120]

Great video.

[@GCSalinas]

Fuck..... Borland would've been a SUPERSTAR had he continued to play. I respect the decision, tho. #go9ers

[@davidg.3617]

I hope I’m wrong but with the amount of playing he has already done throughout his short lived career from high school, college and the NFL, he has probably already developed some degree of CTE. He probably reduced the amount but I think at this point he should have at least completed his rookie contract, took the money and dipped.

[@heyyjugg8245]

He knew it was scripted and didn’t want to play anymore Bc he knew he wouldn’t be able to be as aggressive

[@kidofsteel0362]

I don’t blame him at all. As much as I love football & played in high school I get it. I don’t think it’s worth all the issues that may present themselves a few years after retiring. Sometimes while still playing.

[@ericlocke8119]

I walked away in high school. I saw a kid get knocked senseless. He was shaking and convulsing. Making crazy sounds and his face was contorting strangely.. They never told his parents.. I didn't want to end up like that.. No amount of money is worth that. God created me for more. God bless to all.

[@collinghood6828]

I'm about to play high school football, I'm excited but at the same time worried about my future health...

[@texis4060]

Ndudi Enwereuzor did you play yet lol

[@Pat9201]

then why play?

[@Barely___Editing]

Play high school but college don't unless your dream school calls you to play there

[@silversam1387]

Ndudi Enwereuzor oh fuck off

[@slotmachinemashups6836]

silver sam Jesus Christ dude, you're in like, every thread. Do you have nothing else better to do?

[@chazzlucas6395]

Good for him .. This is a smart man

[@TheChaz747]

Goodell has destroyed the NFL

[@gdub454]

You are a moron...he hasnt ruined the NFL

[@ricardosoto5770]

He is making a lot of money.....but also planting ticking bombs.

[@gdub454]

@Matt Beeman WTF are you even talking about?..I never said anything about Pete Rozell...I just thought dude was being a moron about Goodell..thats all..and you are kind of being a moron as well bringing up Pete Rozell when he's not even involved in the conversation..

[@ccharlie05]

Smart mam. He got out while his head was still in the shoulder and now he's fighting kudos to him

[@nobess1732]

He was a beast on the field. He would’ve been one of the greatest. But I’m glad to see him take a stand for his health

[@kdub9198]

Marshawn Lynch ran him over and he changed careers. Smart move.

[@ESport211]

I used to watch football, any game I could catch without cable! I'm a big Pats fan, but it didn't matter if I was watching totally opposite teams - I just loved those Sunday games! Now, I haven't even watched a full game in 4-5 years, though I'd watch highlights. Recently, I can't even be bothered to watch those!!!

[@treyrudisill2066]

We don't play football to be safe we play it because we love it.

[@Loyard777]

I played 4 years of varsity football and One year in College , I had about 8 concussions that I told our trainers about and 2 where I completely blacked out from hits to the head . This is the smartest decision someone can make

[@trappy1903]

Lorenz Rodriguez it is smart for yourself. But if you're the type of person who can make it in the NFL Nd make huge amounts of money, I say play, you're setting up your family, your kids, your grandkids. If I could play, I would gladly put myself at risk to benefit my family

[@limeykl]

Trappy can’t believe you would say that! Health comes first

[@trappy1903]

@Matt Beeman I know. But what I'm saying is, if you love the game and you know the consequences of the game and you stand to make a huge amount of money. Why not do it?? Sure you, your individual person life might be ruined. But your wife. Your kids their kids are taken care of.but that's how I look at it

[@luzfigueroa1550]

No matter what amount of money it's worth your mental health and eventually your life. Good decision.

[@robertmuckelbauer2501]

The information is out there,players now have the ability to make an informed decision.People out there lives at risk every day,is the game and reward worth the risk,a tough choice.The harder decision is the ones parents are going to have to make for their children.

[@workshoptunes]

I hope someone answers me, so i want to play football but i'm scared to play because of the concussion issues but i would play DT or DE, but if I try to tackle with my shoulder and avoid head contact would it safe to play?

[@SDCB754]

How many concussions have you had? If you've had three or more, definitely not! Also if you're scared to play, you either need to figure out how to deal with that fear, or get out of the game. Fear pollutes the mind and creates the potential for much greater injury, because the athlete is focused on the fear, not the process of their techniques.

[@blkshp25]

I don't think we'll see this type of talent ever again

[@robdela3632]

Borland was a beast. I wish he was still with the niners but all the best to him.

[@ClaytonWahaynInello]

Good for him!

[@timlamiam]

Ever since that South Park episode and the whole deflategate kerfuffle, I'm more convinced than ever that Roger Gooddell is a soulless robot.

[@o.t.d_ody_the_dreamer]

Of the course the game is safer, players used to play with leather helmets. The thing is you can't make football completely safe. It's a contact sport and it brutal as hell. Maybe teach players how to tackle better. But not much you can do

[@healthdios]

I'm a 49ers fan from childhood and now I look at the sport differently, I'm very suspicious of the handling by the NFL when it comes to this CTE problem, the protesting issue and the ranking of their priorities. .... If I step back and carefully analyze what is the most important asset for the NFL, the thing they cherish the most and I can't assure is the players. The human element in this NFL business falls always behind sponsors and revenue.

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

If you need to cte research to understand how dangerous it is as a player or fan it makes me question the intelligence of either.If the NFL covered it up or lied or not it doesnt change that the average NFL player has played tackle football for around 8 years and some even more BEFORE their first NFL game. You are literally playing a game you can die or become paralyzed on any play even during pee wee football. If you cared so much about players health to be like telling them they shouldnt do it and you do not watch it as a protest and if the player cared so much about their own health they wouldnt agree to play it would be more of an argument.

[@fiskebc]

Future generations will look at Americans playing football like we look at the Romans battling in the colliseums

[@krusty6246]

Goodel is full of it saying the NFL is as safe as ever. Hats off you Chris. You were exciting to watch but made the right decision. Running backs were happy also

[@burgerboy495]

That's why I quit my junior high team

[@vilnius1956]

Good for you, Burgerboy. Some people get brain damage at an early age. There was a story about a football player from Dartmouth (I think, I know it was an Ivy League School) who killed himself at 21. He had been playing football since the Pop Warner leagues. His autopsy revealed CTE.

[@patchsmith1693]

Burgerboy 49 u probably just sucked really bad

[@dayman7061]

Patch Smith That's probably true. If you have something going for you you won't just give it up.

[@ericnguyen3907]

About Billions then why have nfl players with so much potential quit after just one year??? Answer that

[@erickirschenbaum2804]

Not players, chris borland did that. Its not plural.

[@issacdavis3767]

My head hurts right now and I'm 90% sure I have CTE.

[@queenhandong6676]

Issac Davis Just because your head hurts doesn’t mean you have CTE, If you suffered a lot of concussions and they haven’t been cared for then sorry to say.. but you might have it. Call a doctor if your sure you have it. Good luck

[@brofun9543]

this is intelligence at it's best. I played high school football..had some scholarships to play..but, I recieved several concussions my senior year and one my junior year. I have suffered severe dizzy spells for forty years..and deal with depression...(depression is part of my family history tho)...after gettting and EEG, they found a subdural hemotoma....the doctor said don't play football..and I didn't...I wish I had never played even tho I love the game!

[@ryan10888]

It’s crazy I remember when he retired I didn’t get it at all he was so good his rookie year it just didn’t make any sense to me

[@winstonsmithamm]

0:53 Does watching a KZbin video of a KZbin video create some sort of infinite loop?

[@MrStephen0625]

Respect for Chris Borland.

[@stevezelaznik5872]

Was this really a watershed moment? It’s 2019, four years after these events took place. Has anybody followed in Borland’s footsteps. American football is becoming a gladiator sport but plenty of people are willing to be gladiators and the rest of us love to watch.

[@tomitstube]

the really scary thing is you can't diagnose the damage. hopefully that will change. nfl players live 20 years less than the average person, how can you possibly say the game is safe?

[@jeffleas8147]

Good for you man!