CTE and NFL Athletes

 Hello, everyone. Welcome to Crystal Sideline Buzz. My name is Crystal, and I am a student sports editor, blogger, YouTuber, and TikToker. Today, I will be discussing something very serious that numerous fans should know about. This is something that has been happening for a long time, and once it's talked about, it's only talked about once. 

The History of CTE

Let's go back to 1928, a pathologist by the name of Dr. Harrison Martland was the first person to notice boxers were showing signs of behavioral changes, and showing early signs of dementia. These symptoms are Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE for short. At this time, it was only seen as an issue for boxers; however, in the 1960s, many noticed that football players were experiencing the same symptoms. In 2002, Dr. Bennet Omalu made the same CTE diagnosis of former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster. In that moment, this sparked a serious conversation that everyone couldn't ignore. These weren't only hurting careers; these were affecting the lives of both athletes and their families. 

NFL taking responsibility 

Let's face it, we all know that the NFL can't hide the fact that a large number of its athletes have CTE. Even if they wanted to sit in front of America and say that they don't have a single clue what it is, or how their athletes have gotten it, or better yet, they are not responsible for it. The NFL organization has faced thousands of lawsuits from former players who have suffered from long-term neurological damage, including CTE.  In 2015, there was a class action lawsuit that followed an initial consolidation of cases back in 2012, creating a fund of up to $1 billion to compensate players who were eligible and diagnosed with this condition. The NFL has been criticized for this settlement implementation, which included mentioning race-based criteria for testing and claims processing. 

Once again, with these allegations rising of current and former players coming forward about their condition, the NFL did not shy away, as they knew about the dangers of repeated head impacts that resulted in serious brain damage. With that being said, this shows as a result that the organization had failed to warn players and shows a lack of protection for their health. 

Former players speaking out

Many former NFL players have spoken out about CTE and shared their struggles with symptoms like depression, cognitive decline, and suicidal thoughts. Former linebacker for the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brian Price, who made headlines when he ran head-first through a glass door. It was reported that he has no memory of the event occurring. His wife believes that he suffers from CTE and personality changes.  

Many former players have come forward discussing their symptoms and how, during their time in the NFL, they felt as if they needed to leave because they were tired of constantly getting hit during games and always getting headaches. 

According to sources, in 2011, a legendary Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers revealed that he suffered at least six concussions during his career. He expresses that he struggles with memory loss and emotional struggles. Former offensive linemen for the Tennessee Titans and the LA Rams, who retired in 2012, say that they're concerned about the long-term effects of repeated hits to the head. Mitch White, a former lineman for the Oakland Raiders in and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, says that the constant headaches after each hit. The condition was so severe that he kept his living room cool and dark to avoid worsening the pain.  Former Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Reed retired in 2021 after suffering 12 concussions in his career. Doctors recommended he retire after scans showed brain damage, and he has experienced mental fatigue, tinnitus, anxiety, and depression. 

Former players who have died due to CTE

Beyond headaches, mood swings, loss of appetite, and lack of sleep, there is another silent struggle these athletes face: depression. Unlike the previous symptoms I mentioned, this one is particularly severe. Depression can lead to suicide. To the NFL Organization and NFL fans, I think it's time we talk about it. One thing I've learned about fans is that many athletes describe themselves as if they are animals in a cage or even a fish in a fishbowl, with so many eyes on them and the amount of pressure that is put on them. Just like when you visit the zoo, and you see an animal, what do you do? You try to talk to the animal, probably say harsh things about it, and explain why you do not like it. That's the same way when it comes to these athletes. So much so that it can crucially affect them, and most of the time, you, as the fans, don't know what this individual is going through. When the media announces the death of an athlete, especially when it comes to finding out this person has CTE, many fans choose to ignore it, while others speak out about it. When the NFL tries to do something about it, such as make protocols or even put more cushion on  the helmet, many people will say that the NFL is becoming "soft." In reality, it's not about being soft; it's about protecting the athlete, and the majority of the time, it's already too late. In September, former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson died by suicide at the age of 45. Johnson's family says that Judi did struggle with mental health issues and the potential impact of CTE. Other former players also died and were diagnosed with CTE afterward. Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry died in 2009, and former offensive linemen Conrad Dobler was in stage 3 in 2023.  Frank Wycheck was also in stage 3 and died in 2023. 

Want to know how you can help donate or continue to spread awareness of CTE? No worries, I've got you. 

1. Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF): This is a non-profit that supports research through the UNITE Brain Bank, provides patient services via CLF Helpline, and advocates for safer sports. YOU can donate in honor of a loved one or make a one-time or recurring gift. 

2.  Boston University CTE Center: The BU CTE Center accepts financial donations to accelerate scientific discovery and improve diagnoses and treatment. YOU can also support their specific neurodegenerative disease fund. 

3. American Brain Foundation: You can support the foundation's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to help increase awareness and fund research into the prevention and treatment of CTE.

4. The Patrick Risha CTE awareness Foundation: This volunteer-based group accepts donations to prevent CTE in athletes and military service members and to provide educational resources.

5. CTE Hope: This organization focuses on prevention, support, education, and research related to CTE. Donations support its mission of providing hope to individuals and families affected by brain injuries. 

6. CTE Society: Donations help the CTE Society, which provides educational resources and support to individuals diagnosed with CTE. 

They also have a Brain and Tissue donation. 

 With the Brain and Tissue donation is crucial for CTE research, as the condition cannot be definitely diagnosed while a person is alive. Several organizations coordinate brain and tissue donations. 

UNITE Brain Bank (BU CTE Center): This brain bank accepts donated brain and spinal cord tissue from deceased athletes, military veterans, and others to advance the understanding of CTE. There is no cost to the donor's family. 

Tulane University Brain Bank: This program allows eligible donors to contribute their brains to help advance CTE research at no cost to the family. 

These sound like good resources to donate but, but where can I donate? 

 

If you are looking to support families and individuals, organizations like CTE and the CTE Society offer resources and support groups.

If you would like to donate to research and awareness, you should consider donating to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, the BU CTE Center, or the American Brain Foundation.

If you are interested in supporting families and individuals, there are organizations like CTE Hope and the CTE Society that offer resources and support groups.