When All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis announced his retirement from the San Francisco 49ers recently, the position looked to be in good shape with Chris Borland. It seemed like an easy transition, especially with the talent and production Borland revealed in his rookie season. Appearing in 14 games and starting seven, Borland finished with 107 tackles and two interceptions.

Then the miserable offseason of the 49ers continued.

ESPN’s Outside the Lines first reported Borland was leaving the game of football due to concerns about the long-term ramifications of concussions.

“I just honestly want to what’s best for my health,” Borland said. “From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”

Concussions and the growing concerns about the effects of repetitive head trauma took a different turn yesterday when Borland announced his retirement from the NFL. This wasn’t a retired veteran several years removed from the league after a long career in the NFL. This was a second-year, emerging star player who was inheriting the starting position after proving himself as a rookie last season.

Borland’s decision at such a young age puts another dimension into how teams gauge concussions. It is a two-sided affair with college players’ possibly hiding symptoms more than they do now to protect themselves from being devalued from NFL scouts.

So how does the incoming class view the long-term effects of concussions?

Football Insiders asked 12 NFL Draft prospects that ranged from NFL Scouting Combine invitees to small-school prospects, this question.

“On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. How serious do you view concussions?”

“10! Because of the long term,” was the response from prospect who asked to remain anonymous.

Another said, “I would definitely have to say 9… Concussions are serious and can damage you not only short term, but long term as well.”

The final average amongst the 12 players’ polled resulted in a final score of ‘eight’. The lowest number recorded was a seven (three times) and the highest 10 (five times).

It adds another wrinkle for NFL teams to adjust to when determining which players’ to add via the NFL Draft or as unsigned rookie free agents. With the realization that a young player (on the rise) may elect to walk away from the game of football after only one-year into his rookie contract, creates plenty of discussions on concussions for NFL teams.

In reality…

It is good that players’ responded with such high regard about the issue, but the problem that plagues the league and the individual is – When the time comes and the concussion is real – How will the player and team react?