Following the example that 49ers linebacker Chris Borland set recently, Michigan center Jack Miller has announced that he is leaving football due to concerns over head injuries. He will not be returning to the team for his senior year.

After previously announcing that he was leaving the program, he came forward last week to explain his reasons: that the consequences of concussions scare him and that his health and happiness are more important to him than a game.

Though Miller has already had a few concussions as a player, he feels lucky to have not had adverse symptoms so far. "It's nice walking away before things could've gotten worse,” he explained.

His actions are the most recent in a new trend of athletes leaving their sports as a preventative measure against brain injury. It’s a sure sign that the realities are hitting home for the people they are affecting most closely, and if others continue to follow, it could throw the future of those sports into uncertainty.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.