NFL Notes: Chris Borland, Chiefs, Cowboys, Giants, & Patriots

Chris Borland

Former 49ers ILB Chris Borland discussed his decision to walk away from the NFL after an impressive rookie season during an appearance on The Learning Leader Show.

“I agree there may never have been a safer time to play football. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe,” Borland said. “[A statistic] that was released around the same time was that concussions are down 25 percent. By that logic, in three years they won’t exist. I don’t think concussions are down 25 percent. I didn’t report a couple this past year. … I do think they’ve taken some positive measures to have neurologists on the sidelines, and for the targeting and the spearing, taking that out of the game is a good step. Just to be truthful, though, it is a dangerous game, and it’s not good for you in any way physically. That’s part of the story, and that’s OK. I don’t want to be a crusader against football. I love football. But it is dangerous, and it’s OK to be honest about that. Life is not about getting out alive. If it’s part of your equation to play the game, by all means, play it. Just understand what you could be getting yourself into.”

Chiefs

• According to Ian Rapoport, Chiefs OLB Justin Houston will not be in attendance for the start of minicamp on Tuesday.

Cowboys

• Ian Rapoport reports that franchised WR Dez Bryant will not be attendance for the start of Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

Giants

• Franchised DE Jason Pierre-Paul won’t be in attendance for the start of the Giants’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport.

Patriots

• Patriots WR Brandon LaFell did not participate in OTAs and has been sporting a protective boot on his foot. (Shalise Manza Young)