Ex-Stanford Linebacker Tarpley Retires From NFL At 23, Cites Concussions
STANFORD (CBS SF) – Buffalo Bills and former Stanford linebacker A.J. Tarpley announced his retirement from the National Football League after just one season, over concussion concerns.
Tarpley, 23, made his announcement through an Instagram post Wednesday.
"I suffered the 3rd and 4th concussions of my career this past season and I am walking away from the game I love to preserve my future health," he said in part.
"This decision is the hardest I've made yet but after much research and contemplation I believe it's what is best for me going forward."
An undrafted free agent, Tarpley played 14 games for the Bills in the 2015 season. He started the final two games and had two interceptions. At Stanford, his collegiate career included 243 tackles, 5.0 sacks and four interceptions over four seasons.
Following Tarpley's announcement, the Stanford football program tweeted their support.
This was a tough decision for A.J., who has a bright future ahead. #StanfordMan https://t.co/m1HoTxt6Yu
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) April 7, 2016
Tarpley's retirement follows a similar decision made last year by Chris Borland of the San Francisco 49ers. Borland retired after one season in the NFL after consulting with family and concussion researchers.
"From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk," Borland told ESPN's Outside the Lines in an interview about his retirement.