In some ways John Mackey became the Lou Gehrig of football, a legend defined by his demise... No player so vividly advertised the growing problem of early-onset dementia among veterans of his era, or so unknowingly spurred the N.F.L. to recognize it.
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/sports/football/john-mackey-was-defined-by-greatness-and-illness.html?_r=3&ref=sports
When former Chicago Bears safety David Duerson committed suicide in February, he left behind a note requesting that his brain be studied for evidence of an incurable degenerative disease - Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Autopsy results released on May 2nd found "moderately advanced" evidence of CTE, which is linked to memory loss, depression and dementia.
The repeated concussions and head trauma suffered by professional football players, boxers and other athletes may lead to the development of the disease.
Read more:
CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/02/duerson.brain.exam.results/?hpt=Sbin
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/sports/football/03duerson.html?scp=1&sq...
