A familiar story has quietly emerged from the San Francisco 49ers’ past this holiday season, and it has nothing to do with football.

A former 49ers draft pick has officially stepped away from the NFL and chosen a new path in service, one far removed from stadium lights and Sunday afternoons.

After retiring from professional football, the former linebacker enlisted in the United States Air Force and is now stationed overseas in South Korea.

The move represents a major shift in life direction, trading cleats and playbooks for a uniform focused on national service.

That former player is Chris Borland, a third-round selection by San Francisco in the 2014 NFL Draft, who spent his early professional years inside the 49ers organization before moving on from the league.

Now wearing a very different uniform, Borland shared a heartfelt message with 49ers fans during the Christmas season.

“I’m grateful for my time in San Francisco,” Borland said. “The 49ers taught me discipline, accountability, and what it means to serve something bigger than yourself. Now I’m here to serve in a different way, protecting this country. Merry Christmas to everyone in 49ers Faithful and to all who serve.”

Borland explained that the structure and demands of professional football helped prepare him for military life, especially the routines, accountability, and mental toughness required.

His story has resonated not as a football comeback, but as a reflection on purpose and values. For many fans, it serves as a reminder that careers change, but character endures.

As the holiday season arrives, his message stands out for its sincerity. A former football player, now a serviceman, taking time to thank a community that once supported him.

For 49ers fans, it is a different kind of offseason story. One that goes beyond wins and losses and speaks to service, gratitude, and perspective.