The Bernstein Brief: Chris Borland Decision Will Resonate
By Dan Bernstein-
CBSChicago.com senior columnist
(CBS) Author and social critic Malcom Gladwell called it five years ago, saying, "Football is going to turn into the Army. It'll be one of those things that middle class parents don't want their kids doing."
In recent weeks alone, some young NFL players don't want themselves doing it anymore. First Patrick Willis retired at a still-productive 30, then Jake Locker at 26 and Jason Worilds at 27. Then Monday, 49ers linebacker Chris Borland -- counted on to be Willis' replacement -- announced he was done at age 24.
Borland's words were as significant as the action, though, specifically citing head trauma.
"From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk," he told ESPN. "I'm concerned that if you wait until you have symptoms, it's too late."
Of course it's not worth it unless out of socioeconomic necessity, which was Gladwell's entire point. Borland would rather be healthy than wealthy and brain-damaged.
It's a choice that makes more sense to increasingly informed people with every passing day.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. Follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.