Chris Borland remembers the good stuff about football, too.
The controversial former 49ers linebacker still savors the thrill of a game in New Orleans, when he pounced on a Drew Brees fumble late in the game to secure an overtime victory.
“That was probably the highlight of my rookie year,” Borland said.
And by rookie year, of course, he means career. Borland famously retired after his promising 2014 season. He shocked fans and coaches alike by walking away after making the NFL’s All-Rookie team rather than risk the haunting brain injuries that await so many other ex-players.