About 30 minutes after formally announcing his retirement in a tearful news conference at Levi's Stadium last week, a more upbeat if relieved Patrick Willis held court with beat writers in a nearby hallway.
The All-Pro linebacker wanted to thank reporters for their coverage, while explaining away any times he might have come across as obtuse or rude. And in the course of the low-key give-and-take, Willis brought up Chris Borland.
The youngster, Willis said with raised eyebrows and wide eyes, can play.
So good was Borland in his rookie season last year after replacing Willis, who went down with a toe injury after six games, that Willis said he was being asked by family and friends if he worried about the youngster taking his place in the San Francisco 49ers' starting lineup.
No, Willis assured everyone, he did not fear for his job.
But again, Willis reiterated, Borland was a baller, even if, as Willis pointed out, he had actually moved over from one inside linebacker position to the other to fill in for the injured NaVorro Bowman. So Borland, by proxy, was actually going to compete against Bowman this coming season, so long as Bowman's knee cooperated.
At least until Monday night, when "Outside the Lines" broke news of Borland's decision to retire after one season in the NFL.
From a pure X's and O's standpoint, Borland's retirement, on the heels of Willis' departure at age 30, leaves another hole as unexpected as it is massive in the middle of the Niners' defense.
Because while there were questions about how long the relatively diminutive Borland, who was generously listed at 5-foot-11, 248 pounds, could play with his physical style and speed, no one thought he would last only one season.
Consider: As a rookie, Borland racked up 107 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in 14 games, eight starts, and was the NFC's defensive player of the week after getting 13 tackles against the New York Giants on Nov. 16. He picked off Eli Manning twice in that game, becoming the first Niners rookie linebacker in franchise history with two interceptions in the same contest.
He was the NFL's defensive rookie of the month for November.
But an ankle injury suffered on an Eric Reid interception return in Week 15 at the Seattle Seahawks ended the third-round draft pick's season with two games to go.
With Willis and now Borland gone -- and with questions still swirling about the health of Bowman, who tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee in the NFC title game in January 2014 -- the Niners and new coach Jim Tomsula have some major tweaking to do to make up for Borland's productivity.
"While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris' decision," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. "From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from Day 1 and a very well-respected member of our team and community. Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best."
Michael Wilhoite was reported to be on the trading block two weeks ago. That seems far-fetched now. The only other Niners inside linebacker with NFL experience under contract, besides the still-rehabbing Bowman, is Nick Moody, who started the final two games after Borland went down.
Practice squad member Shayne Skov is also on the roster, while Desmond Bishop, who joined the Niners on Dec. 15, is a free agent.
The weekend before the new league year began, linebacker was considered a strength for the 49ers. A week after the new league year began, the Niners are in need of inside linebackers by the bushel.
And the position is now one of need heading into next month's draft.