USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills linebacker A.J. Tarpley, who contributed as an undrafted rookie last season, has announced his retirement from the NFL after just one season, citing a concern for his health after suffering multiple concussions.

Tarpley announced his decision in a post to Instagram.

"The only thing comforting about not knowing this play would be the last of my career, is knowing that I never took a second for granted," Tarpley wrote. "After months of introspection, I am retiring from football. 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.

"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."

Tarpley played in 14 games for the Bills as a rookie, recording eight tackles and two interceptions. He was an undrafted free agent out of Stanford.

Tarpley is the latest in a series of players who have retired early out of concern for their health. Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland, who retired last offseason at 24, told the Detroit Free Press last week that he expects more young players to look at early retirement as a realistic option.

"Well, I think an old adage is that you play till the wheels fall off," Borland said. "You play till you can’t anymore. You have to be carried off the field. I think that’ll change."