Latest brain trauma news on a former NFL player

[Badgerinmaine]

This is another scary story about another example of the effect brain trauma may have for NFL players:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3864644&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

The article noted that former Packers great Willie Wood is among the players who have volunteered to donate their brains to science after death for study of this problem. This kind of story is why I don't have a problem with extra penalties for blows to the head in football.

[Rastak]

This is another scary story about another example of the effect brain trauma may have for NFL players:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3864644&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

The article noted that former Packers great Willie Wood is among the players who have volunteered to donate their brains to science after death for study of this problem. This kind of story is why I don't have a problem with extra penalties for blows to the head in football.


Yea, that's really scary.

Cheers to Willie Wood for doing that too.

[Badgerinmaine]

This is another scary story about another example of the effect brain trauma may have for NFL players:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3864644&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

The article noted that former Packers great Willie Wood is among the players who have volunteered to donate their brains to science after death for study of this problem. This kind of story is why I don't have a problem with extra penalties for blows to the head in football.


Yea, that's really scary.

Cheers to Willie Wood for doing that too.

Absolutely. I can't imagine what it's like to wonder about that sort of thing about myself. It is bad enough watching my father's memory slip away, and he's in his 80s.

The ESPN: The Magazine story linked to this one offers more context:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3864380

The Justin Strzelczyk story is mentioned there. I remember that sad story vividly because he played at Maine (before playing for the Steelers) and his story got a lot of press here, plus I had driven on the same part of the New York State Thruway where he died in a fiery wreck a week or so before:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04305/404469.stm

[mraynrand]

This is another scary story about another example of the effect brain trauma may have for NFL players:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3864644&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

The article noted that former Packers great Willie Wood is among the players who have volunteered to donate their brains to science after death for study of this problem. This kind of story is why I don't have a problem with extra penalties for blows to the head in football.

T.O. already donated his brain. But that's another thread

[oregonpackfan]

T.O. already donated his brain. But that's another thread[/quote]

What researcher would want it? He/she would probably find an empty space in the "cognitive functioning" section of the brain.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Kevin Greene says he had up to 30 concussions when he played. I read an article where he said he walked around confused half he time at home.

Hope still has enough marbles to coach the linebackers.

[Noodle]

My solution is the one they will never adopt -- do away with the helmet.

Have guys go rugby style, with lighter, hockey-syle should pads.

They'll still hit, but they wouldn't go throwing their melons around quite so much. I'd be willing to trade some hitting for long-term player well-being.

But I suspect this is not a majority view.

Is there a compelling argument why we need to have the players' wearing the current helmet?

[Harlan Huckleby]

My solution is the one they will never adopt -- do away with the helmet.

now that you mention it, going back to the leather helmet might be the perfect compromise. It provides some protection, without being a weapon.

this could be the start of a movement. The Leather Heads.

[Noodle]

Yeah, Blue Dog, I could go with the Leather Look. It would provide some protection for backward falls and such.

And the retro, old-school vibe would be all that.

Plus, I suppose you need a place for the team logo, buckeyes, dogbones, and dead-guy's initials stickers.

[Guiness]

My solution is the one they will never adopt -- do away with the helmet.

Have guys go rugby style, with lighter, hockey-syle should pads.

They'll still hit, but they wouldn't go throwing their melons around quite so much. I'd be willing to trade some hitting for long-term player well-being.

But I suspect this is not a majority view.

Is there a compelling argument why we need to have the players' wearing the current helmet?

Good idea, and to tie this into another thread, that would kill two birds with one stone - Korey Stringer's wife wouldn't be able to sue for having the players wear equipment that's too hot!

[sharpe1027]

flag football by 2020.... :(