Athletes Struggling with Dementia: A Focus on 10 American Football Stars
Football and Dementia: A Growing Concern
In the world of American football, the stories of former players like Kevin Turner, Dwight Clark, and Junior Seau have become all too familiar. These athletes, who once graced the field with their prowess, have been diagnosed with debilitating brain diseases in their later years.
Kevin Turner, a former fullback who played for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2010 and passed away in 2016 at the age of 46. O.J. Simpson, a former running back who played for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, has struggled with memory loss and other symptoms of dementia in recent years, although his diagnosis is controversial and has not been officially confirmed.
Tony Dorsett, a running back who played for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, has been diagnosed with signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often associated with repeated head injuries. He has since struggled with memory loss and other symptoms of dementia. Brett Favre, a former quarterback who played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings, has also been diagnosed with multiple concussions and has experienced memory loss and other symptoms of dementia.
The tragic tales of these athletes serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing debate about the link between football and dementia. Junior Seau, a former linebacker who played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots, committed suicide in 2012 and was later diagnosed with CTE. Dwight Clark, a former wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers, was diagnosed with ALS in 2017 and passed away in 2018 at the age of 61.
Frank Gifford, a former player who played for the New York Giants, struggled with dementia in his later years and passed away in 2015 at the age of 84. Mike Webster, a former player who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was diagnosed with dementia and other health issues in his later years, which were attributed to his years of playing football. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 50.
John Mackey, a former tight end who played for the Baltimore Colts and San Diego Chargers, struggled with dementia in his later years and passed away in 2011 at the age of 69.
Pat Summitt, despite not being a football player, serves as an example of the impact of head injuries and brain damage on athletes in various sports. The legendary college basketball coach, who coached the University of Tennessee women's basketball team for 38 years, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer's type before she died in 2016.
The stories of these athletes highlight the need for continued research, awareness, and advocacy in the area of dementia. Tony Dorsett, for instance, has been actively advocating for player safety in recent years. As the understanding of the long-term effects of sports-related head injuries continues to evolve, it is crucial that we prioritise the health and well-being of our athletes, both on and off the field.
