Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland has revealed that he has been taken aback by the reactions to his retirement from the game.
The 24-year-old called time on his NFL career after just one season in the league due to fears over the long-term effect of head trauma.
Borland sacrificed a portion of his signing bonus to quit the NFL to prioritise his well-being, which he has admitted has surprised many people.
"That has been the biggest surprise for me," Borland told reporters. "People can't get over the money.
"That's all they think about. But your health is a little more important."
Borland recorded 108 tackles, one sack and two interceptions in his only NFL season.