49ers' Eric Reid opts against quitting football after suffering 3 concussions in 2 years
Four members of the San Francisco 49ers retired in the offseason, all of whom cited fatigue, injury concerns or concussions as major reasons for leaving.
Eric Reid almost became the fifth 49er to hang up his cleats this summer.
The 49ers' free safety said he considered quitting football due to three concussions suffered over his first two NFL seasons, but opted against it.
"There is a doctor that I'm looking further into and I may end up going to see," Reid said to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. "Like I said, right now I’ve evaluated my situation and I feel comfortable playing."
San Francisco selected Reid in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, with the intention of him developing into an integral part of a young core.
"I'm not putting a number to it," Reid said after being asked whether he'd retire upon suffering a fourth concussion. "I will continue to evaluate my own situation. If I have another concussion and I don't feel like I can play anymore, then I won't. If I (have another concussion), and if I feel that I still can play, then I will. It's just a case-by-case basis.
"I know it’s a huge deal right now in the NFL and everything is being put under a microscope, but that's how every injury is. It could be a dislocated shoulder. You evaluate your situation and see if you're healthy enough to still play."
The 49ers' current personnel group appears to be at the forefront of concussion awareness, with Borland stating the New York Times bestseller "League of Denial" influenced his decision to quit after one season.
Although 49ers general manager Trent Baalke is resourceful enough to overcome the sudden wave of retirements through the draft, the 49ers must be cognizant of the fact that their players are increasingly aware of the inherent risks involved at the professional level.
The team's development philosophy was surely shaken when 25-year-old offensive tackle Anthony Davis and 24-year-old linebacker Chris Borland abruptly quit football, the latter of whom stating concussion concerns as the primary reason.
Patrick Willis and Justin Smith also retired this offseason. Willis played eight seasons but was hampered by a toe injury in his final two seasons. Smith suited up for 14 campaigns, but quoted injuries and a drop in production as his reasons to retire.