Retires over safety issues
Borland is retiring due to concerns about the long-term effects stemming from repetitive head trauma. He says he made his decision after talking it over with family members, concussion researchers, friends and teammates, and after studying what is known about the relationship between football and neurodegenerative disease.
I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health. From what I’ve researched and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk…I feel largely the same, as sharp as I’ve ever been. For me, it’s wanting to be proactive. I’m concerned that if you wait ’til you have symptoms, it’s too late. … There are a lot of unknowns. I can’t claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long, healthy life, and I don’t want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise…I just thought to myself, ‘What am I doing? Is this how I’m going to live my adult life, banging my head, especially with what I’ve learned and know about the dangers?’
Retires after eight seasons
After eight seasons with the 49ers, Willis retires from the NFL.
In my head, I’m already a Hall of Famer. I am leaving this with closure, saying that I am happy today, more happy today than I was the day I was drafted. That says something to me…I have no regrets. I’ve had the most amazing eight years of football of my life. I am so humbled to have had this opportunity. I’ve been so humbled to have played this game…I would love nothing more than to be able to lace up them cleats and not worry, ‘Are my feet going to be all right today just to practice so I don’t look old at 30?’
Signs two-year deal
The 49ers sign Dockett to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. $4 million will be paid in the first season. $2 million is guaranteed.
Congrats to the newest Niner! pic.twitter.com/8lGnY2fwEG
— Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) March 5, 2015
Harbaugh leaves 49ers
Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers mutually agree to part ways after the season finale win against the Arizona Cardinals. 49ers owner York:
Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions. We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best.
Arrested for domestic violence
McDonald is arrested and held without bail for a felony charge of domestic violence only three days after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell implements new rules for players charged with domestic violence. The 49ers statement:
The 49ers organization is aware of the recent reports regarding Ray McDonald and we take such matters seriously. As we continue to gather the facts, we will reserve further comment.
Super Bowl XLVII: Baltimore 34-31 San Fransisco
Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens become NFL champions thanks to a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. A power outage cuts lights to the stadium for 34 minutes. When the game finally resumes, the 49ers, down 28-6 when the lights went out, mount an impressive near-comeback which only ends when the Ravens make a fourth down stop to prevent San Fransisco from scoring a game winning touchdown.
Super Bowl XXIX: San Francisco 49-26 San Diego
Steve Young passes for a record six touchdowns, and the 49ers become the first team to win five Super Bowls when they rout the Chargers.
Super Bowl XXIV: San Francisco 55-10 Denver
NFC titlist San Francisco wins its fourth Super Bowl championship with a 55-10 victory over AFC champion Denver. Jerry Rice catches seven passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns and is named MVP.
Super Bowl XXIII: San Francisco 20-16 Cincinnati
NFC champion San Francisco captures its third Super Bowl of the 1980s by defeating AFC champion Cincinnati 20-16. Rice is named MVP – his 11 catches for 215 yards is a new Super Bowl-record. Montana also sets a new Super Bowl-record completing 23 of 36 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns.
Super Bowl XIX: San Francisco 38-16 Miami
The San Francisco 49ers capture their second Super Bowl title with a dominating offense and a defense that tames Miami’s explosive passing attack. Montana is named MVP as he sets a new Super Bowl-record completing 24 of 35 passes for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Montana also rushes five times for 59 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown.
Super Bowl XVI: San Francisco 26-21 Cincinnati
Ray Wersching’s Super Bowl record-tying four field goals and Joe Montana’s controlled passing help lift the San Francisco 49ers to their first NFL championship with a 26-21 victory over Cincinnati.
