It was a stunning announcement earlier this offseason when San Francisco 49ers rookie Chris Borland revealed he was retiring from the NFL.  However, Borland kicked off a wave of players saying goodbye to the sidelines prematurely while citing concern for future debilitating injuries.

Now, he is also at the center of the discussion around head trauma caused by the game.  Per a story over the weekend in the Dayton Daily News, Borland has been studying the issue of concussions. 

He has met with top neurologists and hopes to champion studies that work to find a way to reduce the impact of head injuries.  Borland has spoken to groups at his alma mater, Wisconsin, as well as Harvard, Stanford, and a Los Angeles concussion conference.

There are also other speaking engagements on the docket and he has expanded his horizons in other ways.  Borland ran in the San Francisco Marathon and is taking a six-week trip across Europe. 

The shock for his sudden life switch-up was significant after giving up a promising football career and a four-year $2.3 million contract.  Borland has a productive first season with the 49ers, collecting 108 tackles and starting eight games once All-Pro Patrick Willis went down.

In a game against the Rams, he had 18 tackles, a season-high in the NFL.  In Week 10, Borland was named NFL Rookie of the Week and after the following game was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week. 

Borland is one of the greatest defensive players in Wisconsin history.  He was a three-time All-Big 10 pick and the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.  

To inquire about Chris Borland's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.  

Chris Borland Talks to CBS This Morning About His Decision to Retire: