How CTE changes everything about football

Kevin Ellison wasn’t the biggest or strongest football player at USC. But he was the ideal from 2005 through 2008 -- the smarts to earn an economics degree, the toughness to overcome three knee surgeries, the legendary work ethic and, of course, the ferocious hits. He played 13 games for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers in 2009. The Chargers cut him after one season, his career faltered and the problems emerged in 2012 when he set his apartment on fire, claiming “God told me to do it.” He cycled through jobs. He went on and off medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He lived at his mother’s home in Inglewood. Late one night in October 2018, a car hit and killed Kevin as he walked along the Interstate 5 freeway in the San Fernando Valley.
CTE is a devastating neurodegenerative disease researchers believe is found in the brains of people who have experienced repeated head trauma. They could be victims of domestic violence, members of the military … or football players. The disease can only be definitively diagnosed after death. Researchers have found the disease in scores of deceased players. Many of the names are familiar: Junior Seau, Dwight Clark, Frank Gifford. Kevin’s family wanted to help find answers. A few days after his death, they decided to donate his brain to be studied by researchers in Boston.
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[@haraldkrull2549]

100 years from now, people will look at old footage of NFL games and won't believe that this was an actual sport.

[@humzahhassan4521]

I still think it will be around like boxing is rn too much money involved it should be banned until high school at least though

[@NoName-gv6nm]

@@humzahhassan4521 never say never.

[@bazkoa5215]

@@humzahhassan4521 100 years from now, society as we know it won't be remotely the same. Football could become obsolete, either replaced or died out as a result of medical knowledge.

[@dararegan5005]

They don’t need to get rid of football they just need to be stricter on the tackles. Like think of rugby they don’t have padding or helmets but their so strict on the hits there’s less head injuries.

[@androidrobot8809]

We might have a cure by then...

[@cell9899]

The NFL buried this video’s exposure

[@Beeman2892]

Yes i surprised it only has few views

[@deyluhnas]

like they should

[@alanrobb9934]

@@deyluhnas why?

[@deyluhnas]

@@alanrobb9934 bc cte is completel overblown. ppl say that concussions cause brain damage, but my neighbor played football, had six concussions, and still has an IQ over 150

[@michaelterrell5061]

@@deyluhnas I'm sorry what? for one top cognitive scientists around the world have all agreed that brain damage exists and concussions can and will cause CTE to some degree. As for you're friends IQ, well if you knew anything about brain studies you would know that IQ testing is very flawed and is both highly criticized and circumstantial as well as being considered highly irregular for actually studying intellect.

[@midnightman5139]

I don’t see a future for football so long as CTE remains a problem. We’re seeing early signs of decline in high school participation because parents are beginning to take notice of the risk associated. It’s undeniable that you can’t take away the tackle element that made the game so popular.

[@easy_eight2810]

It'll stop being mainstream but will likely remain popular. Boxing is a prime example of a sport that can be life altering with CTE. But each top fight racks in tenths of millions

[@Jsmoove8k]

@@easy_eight2810yeah it’ll just become a more isolated and treated like combat sports

[@tmacman0418]

The NFL is the only league in America that hasn't expanded internationally. If the US loses interest in football due to CTE concerns they're done.

[@andrewduncan-k3n]

It’s not just football. There are sports with even higher rates of concussion

[@midnightman5139]

@user-nw6hq1jm8m but they're not as prevalent as football. Most of us didn't know what CTE before doctors began seeing it in football players, and the data shows that because of the nature of the game football players are more susceptible to brain trauma then any other sport. Sports with similar risks are boxing and rugby, but so far, football has been the leading sport in concussion

[@dfa3366]

That is so brave that his family donated his brain for studies. The human brain is the motherboard of our bodies. When it’s damaged if effects your thinking, personality ect. Mental illness is a real illness.

[@glenb1426]

This is a GLADIATOR SPORT played by MACHO MEN!

[@montanamike7948]

Wouldn't really call it bravery....

[@333btd]

studying the brain after death is one thing. preventing the injury in the first place is the key. I love the game as-is, but damn, sure is time to change it.

[@glenb1426]

@@333btd that is sacrilege! I want SMASH MOUTH FOOTBALL AT ALL COSTS!

[@creativeape8994]

Beans on toast

[@ooo_Kim_Chi_ooo]

I'm pretty sure I have CTE. As I get older I am getting more forgetful and my mood has changed quite a bit. I have suffered 3 concussions one concussion left me unconscious for 45 minutes. I was cross checked in the back of the neck after I scored a goal. I had my hands up and the guy charged me, cross checked me in the back of the neck, and my head slammed into the boards. I was out for 45 minutes, and I can't remember anything that happened until a week before, and the moment I opened my eyes in the ambulance. I played football from 6th grade to 11th, Hockey my entire life even into my early 30's, I wrestled in HS and college, and fought Mixed Martial Arts for 10 years. My other two concussions one I took a glancing kick to back of the head during an MMA fight, it didn't knock me out, or hinder my fight I ended up winning, but after the fight I threw up a few times, and had a headache for about 2 weeks after. The third concussion I was struck on the side of the face by a hockey puck after practice. I was cleaning up pucks off the ice and someone though it would be funny to hit my with a puck in the ass but they missed and hit me in the face. Broke 2 teeth, my nose, and orbit and had a concussion. Its not just the forgetfulness or moodswings, its not being able to sleep and the constant headaches. How can we sign up to donate our brains? I was just a HS and college athlete but I played semi-pro and was an amateur fighter. It would be interesting to see how much those of us trying to make up suffer.

[@ryandylan1437]

I hope you the best

[@evwal6429]

hope your feelin good my man have someone your close to check up on you often and keep you on the right path stay away from drugs and stay tuff don’t give up on your life either

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

I’ve had multiple head injury’s and know how you feel. My worst was my freshman year I took a hit to the head in a football game early in the first quarter. I got up and didn’t even notice, but later in the third quarter I started struggling to breath and was throwing up. It was t worth it or even worth playing. In the end no one cared after I told them I wasn’t coming back for the rest of the season and I never played again after that. Like I said I’ve had several other bad concussions and I can already feel some of the effects and I’m only 17. I feel like I’ll inevitably get more concussions too and it’s an awful scary feeling. I wish you the best man, know that you aren’t alone even when you feel like it.

[@jesss1561]

Whenever you have to vomit after a blow to the head, it is a big warning sign.

[@mentalasylummaxxxer]

Brutal, i hope you get fine. Have you taken any medicine or had any operation for these?

[@jj2x210]

Wow. Kinda makes me happy that I was a bench warmer in middle school lol.

[@dontesmith]

No kidding

[@MrSilverfish12]

I played rugby. I'm pretty happy I got benched too. Lol

[@derpojitd3901]

Right I feel they should start in high school when they already started puberty

[@山川川山]

It’s not even joke nowadays

[@ahmedrahim2500]

@@MrSilverfish12 brooo rugby id actually worse. No helmets or gaurds. I hated it but since I was a big guy they always made me play

[@guessundheit6494]

9:00 - You CAN'T make football "safe". Even if you put weight limits on players by position or limits on team total weight (like the weight limit in tug of war), you still can't solve it. Hockey can ban full body contact and stop a lot of the danger while still being able to play the game, but football is predicated on body contact. Even rugby has a growing CTE problem, and in that sport only the ball carrier can be hit.

[@cannonschwarz9554]

Thanks for testing out different ways that football could be safer and then coming to the conclusion that football can't become a safer sport. must've taken lots of work.

[@hw6664]

They could always turn it into Flag Football. That would be safe.

[@wwtextserviciosdetraduccio4881]

That's why soccer is the answer for all of this.

[@WichitaChiefSam]

All of you who are here suffering with CTE, from football, hockey, boxing, MMA, rugby, etc., you are loved and worthy. I hope you all can find comfort and joy through your situation and I am praying for you all.

[@dg8994]

I’m a former athlete boxer, football player. I have no doubt that I have CTE. I’ve had upwards to 20-30 concussions. I was born in the fifties so all this brain injury stuff wasn’t a thing. If you got concussed on the field you were told to shake it off and get back in the game. I did this many times. I’ve seen changes in my behavior as I’ve aged and I find myself unable to articulate what I want to say a lot. Always searching for words. Anyway I believe the work y’all are doing is important just know the NFL is a monster and will do everything in its power to crush you.

[@seanturner6186]

After feeling pressured my entire life to play football from middle through highschool. Enjoying the sport greatly at the time. I wish I knew better the true dangers of the sport. Quite possibly the biggest regret of my life. Save your children folks. Do them a favor and don't let them play. After suffering so many hits to the head. To the point of it looking like it's raining stars, blurred vision, unconsciousness, stumbling. Then back hitting just a few minutes later as it was pre-protocol era. Not like that matters as it's all the small hits that add up anyways. I show every single CTE symptom at only 33 and it's quite intense already. I feel like a completely different person compared to how I was. I'm truly terrified for the future.

[@mtsestudos7145]

do you have forgetfulness? apathy? dizziness? What are your symptoms? Could you answer me?

[@uncletheoneshotkid3001]

funny story I barely got playing time in hs and got made fun of a lot for it. I was the “water boy” and I pretty much almost got bullied off the team for it. I’m more grateful than ever now for it. I never took serious head trauma, but unfortunately many of my former teammates have symptoms of CTE now. So when I reflect on it I’m glad I was the water boy.

[@simbadooo9055]

Sean, I personally really appreciate your testimony, and I genuinely wish you luck for your future considering the health of your brain, comments like yours are what made me quit Kickboxing and switch to Athletics. Comments like yours are possibly saving young mens lives.

[@theprodigalson4003]

8:30 mans the definition of denial. Once football is gone there will be other things that can open doors for your family and other families.

[@sanmechrocker]

Denial at this level(I see it, I read it but I don't wanna believe it " is also a symptom of CTE.

[@clapdrix72]

Yeah for sure

[@jadynleland6479]

@@sanmechrocker Sure but normal people do this all the time. Just look at politics

[@JDLesemajeste]

@@jadynleland6479 Even at work, I will tell people we don't have the facilities and equipment to do a job and literally physically can not do it and people will argue for half an hour to get us to do it.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

Dr. Ben Omalu, the physician who did a lot of the early research on CTE, describes this guy's denial as "conformational intelligence". The truth is that, ANY sport or activity - basketball, volleyball, soccer, dance, etc., can all provide the bonding, team work, healthy physical activity, etc., that football can without all of the head trauma.

[@chaserwing2693]

It's wild to me that they are holding the brains of someone that was in his head connected to everything that is what had him do every thought every moment. Every movement all there

[@SDCVoltaic]

Makes you think if brain is the whole person or if there’s even a chance that there’s a soul at all

[@TastyTurkeyBreast]

@@SDCVoltaic there is more

[@mikedub1695]

Yea it's like holding the mother board of his life!! His everything was in there!!

[@liggerstuxin1]

@@TastyTurkeyBreast I really am hoping you’re right. Otherwise this all seems meaningless

[@idihcerebe]

It’s not just the brain, it’s the soul. That’s why those who are damaged still have some trademark personality traits, despite the brain being fried.

[@scottcharney1091]

8:10 Denial, still.

[@oeao2841]

Even Bo Jackson said if he knew about CTE then he would have picked up a baseball bat and never looked at a football ever

[@willr4455]

Coach Ellison was our strength and conditioning coach during summer of my sophomore year in high school. I would’ve never thought that a guy like him who would always joke around and was liked by everyone in the football team was battling personal demons. That’s why it was shocking news when I heard about his passing. I hope his family have found peace, RIP coach ❤️

[@creativeape8994]

Did he have cte

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

I’ve had multiple head injury’s and know how you feel. My worst was my freshman year I took a hit to the head in a football game early in the first quarter. I got up and didn’t even notice, but later in the third quarter I started struggling to breath and was throwing up. It was t worth it or even worth playing. In the end no one cared after I told them I wasn’t coming back for the rest of the season and I never played again after that. Like I said I’ve had several other bad concussions and I can already feel some of the effects and I’m only 17. I feel like I’ll inevitably get more concussions too and it’s an awful scary feeling. The worst thing is that I know you can’t ever recover from this like any other injury.

[@LD-uz5pc]

I too have had several concussions. Did you ever lose consciousness from a concussion?

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

@@LD-uz5pc it’s really difficult to remember these things but I feel like I did for a few seconds.

[@LD-uz5pc]

@@Dylan-lw1xc When I was 6 I was in a really bad car accident that knocked me unconscious for 2 hours and I was very fortunate to have made a full recovery from that. Usually if you lose consciousness you wouldn't know it unless someone else told you. If you were knocked unconscious for a few seconds then it would be difficult to tell. It's important to remember that not all concussions make you lose consciousness.

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

@@LD-uz5pc glad you recovered man I was in a car crash too when I was a baby and I have had way too many confirmed concussions for sure.

[@SDCVoltaic]

@@Dylan-lw1xc how is your mood usually? Do you get emotional or constant irritably?

[@muayboran6111]

I quit boxing, throw away the gloves, throw away the shoes and never think of participating in it ever again. Never again.

[@EverlastGX]

I am happy I did not try that hard in boxing even though I was really motivated to go far. I just want to enjoy family life as long as possible

[@muayboran6111]

@@EverlastGX yeah, i wish i could say the same. I think im gonna go for wrestling or sport karate

[@Kenshin0099]

@@muayboran6111 Apparently college wrestlers have the highest concussion rates of any sport. Better to stick to non contact sports.

[@muayboran6111]

@@Kenshin0099 i mean, I still want to do martial arts just not boxing or any high impact stuff. Probably bjj or point karate

[@donpepitodc2671]

Learn floyd Mayweather's shoulder roll and you'll never worry again. Lol

[@JayPippin]

I am now concerned I played football from 6 to my senior year in high school and I am noticing changes in my moods... I’m sure I have had at least 3 concussions that I know of... I had my first anxiety attack a few months ago that easy normal... I am now 25 I haven’t played football since I was 17

[@janetmcarthur5257]

It would probably be best to avoid contact sports again. Just basketball or something, strength or aerobic stuff.

[@Pradozj22]

I’m really sorry to hear that brother I hope you’re health improves and take care sending you hugs.

[@nihilismistheonlyway4680]

dang. I'm gonna use u as an exact cautionary tale.... my step son plays senior high school football and nobody believes me that it's harmful. I'm the only one in the family that works in medical field so idk why they won't listen (his birth mom who he's with full time and my fiance his birth father). i don't want to see him get hurt but i feel like I'm the only one who actually cares.

[@wadeobryan4175]

@@janetmcarthur5257 you know how many concussion I see in bball. Alot most of these people like to pick on football because of the hits but what they don't mention is that most concussions come from hitting the ground. I've had like 2 helmet to helmet concussions most others were from ground contact . I had a bad one in bball when I took a charge kid landed on top of me my head hit off the wood floor. What's chaps me is we hit our heads all the time some times at work home and other places yet there are parent who won't let their kids play sports and live a healthy childhood because of fear.

[@robloxite]

the only really reson people get this is if they get a ton of concussions, not just 3

[@nieljansegers9211]

As a rugby player I think it’s a good thing that more and more football teams start to teach the rugby way of tackling. You can still hit the guy as hard as you want, you just make contact with your shoulder and wrap your arms. Also hitting below the shoulders makes it safer and takes the head completely out of the game. Even with these strict rules, we still have head injuries and concussions in rugby but it improved a lot. Keep up the beautiful game of American football💪🏈

[@MASKEDMANGUITAR]

That what I do. But I’m still scared shitless of this.

[@notsocooldude7720]

Thing is that still isn’t safe either. Sure it’s safer but still bad in general. Getting hit hard will still cause the head to flail and repeated hits over time will still do a lot of damage to the brain

[@afterlife6821]

Scary thing is alot of people on rugby are also getting diagnosed with CTE too. Sports like Hockey, soccer, and lacrosse are having players diagnosed with CTE too. Shit is scary

[@LPCLASSICAL]

@@afterlife6821 Soccer - I think heading the ball is a problem. Some players have had issues after retirement.

[@forestflood5338]

@@afterlife6821 Just have to live with it. If CTE doesn't get you, some heart disease or cancer will. Life is scary

[@judyl.761]

The only way to prevent CTE from playing football is to NOT play football. Sad but true. It’s just too hard on your brain. Helmets can’t change that.

[@johnsims6784]

I've had 14 concussion and more severe blows to my head than any one could possibly count I've hit my head so hard on car lifts it would rock the lift I'm just worried I may come down with cte

[@juanafaded3737]

I wouldn’t worry about it I jsut would be safer nfl players get a concussion every 2 months and some of those players may have cte but usually isn’t to severe

[@polishherowitoldpilecki5521]

Hard to believe 14

[@tylergist1175]

I'm genuinely worried. I played 13 years of contact football. I played running back almost my whole career. I have issues with memory among other symptoms. Shits scary.

[@mtsestudos7145]

what symptoms?

[@adrianramos3915]

The NFL controls America, they need this sport. I too play football in college and I have other friends playing as well. I can guarantee you not one of them is mentally stable, all depressed. Yes they are D1 athletes.

[@lonesome1689]

Names or you lying

[@comdrive3865]

@@lonesome1689 baseless

[@lonesome1689]

@@comdrive3865 he was in fact, lying…

[@uncletheoneshotkid3001]

@@lonesome1689watch the documentary bro what lmao. Is it that farfetched to think many college football players have CTE

[@Illzy]

The sad thing is oftetimes high school boys already have cte because their parents have put them in sports since they were a kid. Cte also gets worsenover time it’s just sad to think of all the young teen boys with brain damage that they got without even being fully aware they were risking it

[@usienwkdau2jfb28u4b]

ive only ever been a casual sports person…once i was playing frisbee at the park with some friends, one of them threw long and i back peddled for the catch. As i went up for the catch i continued to back peddle and i didn’t realize there was a soccer goal post right behind me (the post itself wasn’t professionally sized), i hit the lower back of my head going backwards and it definitely fazed me. I didn’t feel right for months MONTHS. I can only imagine how much these athletes must ignore when it comes to their bodies telling them something isn’t right up there.

[@silvanapopa]

Why doesn't this have more views? Hmmm...

[@scottcharney1091]

His brother is in denial. Down with this stupid sport.

[@lonesome1689]

He’s right

[@scottcharney1091]

@@lonesome1689 Who's right? His brother?

[@phenomenalelitebasketball2124]

American football isn’t stupid it’s enjoyed by millions of people worldwide and on top of that no matter how the rules are being changed to improve player safety football is still going to be a physical sport

[@scottcharney1091]

@@phenomenalelitebasketball2124 I don't find it entertaining to see people ruin their bodies and brains. Are you familiar with Irish/Gaelic/Celtic Football? Watch some of it on KZbin. It's awesome!

[@burtonafonja1740]

Oh yes its stupid. Get in touch with reality ​@phenomenalelitebasketball2124

[@alcoholfree6381]

The science is there to prove that tackle football ruins countless lives; eventually tackle football will no longer be played! Thank God.

[@dcxxxx]

And contrary to your wet dream, football, by far, is the most popular sport in America, and in 2022 high school football saw the biggest increase in participation in years. It's never going away only getting bigger, Pops.

[@regorRegor]

The NFL demonstrates it's concern about players CTE by moving to increase the games in a season. The league and the owners suck.

[@beastmode-wg9ws]

Whos here after antonio Brown left mid game

[@PaulisInclusion]

Yup

[@benjaminyoung9694]

there a clip of this?

[@biffdanielson2820]

How is it that I (a football, hockey and combat sports fan) just found out about this? It completely changes the way I look at these sports.This information needs to be more widely distributed.

[@Jsmoove8k]

well it should’ve been obvious for combat sports because the objective is to knock them out in many instances but for football and hockey to be treated casually and let kids give each other brain trauma for free is crazy

[@jamiesprinkbob]

nfl nhl etc likes to keep it under wraps bc if more and more people find out how dangerous it is theyll stop watching/buying merch and lose a lottttttttttt of money

[@christiansoto9755]

It's so crazy that parents letting their children play football. The reasons for letting them play is also baffling

[@wadeobryan4175]

It amazes me how many people think their butts are clean because they smear the shit around with paper.

[@cannonschwarz9554]

Parents let there kids do drugs, letting your child play football isn't bad.

[@scottmackenzie2449]

Cannon Schwarz bruh who’s letting their children do drugs 🤣 there’s literally an entire video right above you that tells u why putting ur child in football is a bad idea🤣

[@wadeobryan4175]

@@scottmackenzie2449 4000 thousand kids die from drowning per year wheres the life jacket propaganda talk about shutting down pools and lakes or how the country should have a discussion about changing the future of hygiene practices.

[@cannonschwarz9554]

@@scottmackenzie2449 Um do you attend a public school, at least 25% of the kids that attend Highschool they openly do drugs, and either their parents don't care or even encourage it. I would rather let my kids play football, than do drugs, smoke, vape, etc.

[@skullium5920]

After playing football when in my Junior year and got rattled around from being a running back and having multiple concussion and gaining such anxiety and lost most of my confidence from the sport and I dunno if that cause of football or anything but since I started to heal I wanted to get back and get my dream to play football in college but since learning of this, honestly worries me to even try football again

[@afterlife6821]

Not just football, but also rugby, soccer, hockey, and any fighting sport with CTE becoming prevalent in these sports too.

[@elliefuller3667]

But those sports handle body contact better. There’s more regulation in it. Football is unique, in the fact that it has such a prevalent amount of ex-players with CTE.

[@joe2001]

@@elliefuller3667 exactly.

[@Niranjan_Mavath]

CTE is virtually unheard of in soccer.

[@simbadooo9055]

@@Niranjan_Mavath yeah there's only 4 confirmed cases of it compared to the thousands of football players and boxers.

[@IMDGEN]

This video is wild. I can’t believe what I’m looking at is someone’s every single memory, Day to day decision, life experiences, their entire life, being cut open but a knife. Imagine having your brain slowly cut in half while you’re still alive…

[@75YBA]

End the NFL.

[@Yanna_xres]

In all the story I hear about cte the one thing I always hear in ever case “I can’t sleep”

[@treasuretrails]

My mother let me fall out of a window as a kid, I hope my brain is okay.....

[@FriendlyTraderID]

just keep playing fortnite kids...

[@TommySanders-tp3ob]

I thought that was bad for your brain😂 turns out it's football

[@davidharrington50]

I can't believe the brother, after all we know about CTE, he could say that didn't cause his brothers death, it's not a doubt it did. His brother just wasn't good enough to keep getting hit like his brother but his brother is crazy for saying he's not sure. Look at how many football players lost their mind and who would think they would ever

[@jamiesprinkbob]

he knows it was the cte he just doesnt wanna admit it to himself which is just sad

[@scrapson8789]

CTE is a democrat hoax

[@ogbops]

I’m worried about myself I was in High school and got concussed super bad and I kept playing i had no idea I had a concussion until afterward

[@ogbops]

Now I have really bad memory issues

[@glo7600]

don’t worry yourself to much

[@WhoopityDoo]

It's not really the concussions, but the repeated sub-concussive hits that you take on normal football plays. Think of the battles in the trenches.

[@mtsestudos7145]

@@ogbops How severe is your memory loss?

[@harrybaulz666]

I'm losing interest in the NFL because of their past policies

[@Ben_Better]

I would say get rid of heavy contact sports like Football for this very reason, however that isn't going to happen so perhaps we can simply change the game at the very least. Turn the NFL into Flag Football, and yes I understand that's just a "game for kids or woosies", but if it means saving peoples lives, we should do it. No, in fact, we NEED to do it.

[@glenb1426]

This CTE research is an existential threat to Machismo!

[@nihilismistheonlyway4680]

exactly. I can hear it now....."this science sh*t is for NERDS bro!" 😂 (but seriously it really is sad. my step son plays football and his birth mom is an idiot and doesn't believe in this either.)

[@KatieHurst]

For anyone curious, CTE means Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. The more time you have following a brain injury, and the greater number of them, the more time CTE has to worsen. It's horrible, debilitating, and worse yet... Preventable.

[@lonesome1689]

It’s not preventable, some cases are but CTE will always exist

[@michaeljordan6239]

@@lonesome1689 Its very preventable

[@Rizzy_K]

@@michaeljordan6239 how so?

[@Rizzy_K]

@Fetus for Jesus wow thanks for the tip! I’ll relay that message to anyone playing in a contact sport

[@Rizzy_K]

@Fetus for Jesus don’t get a concussion is your answer? How do you actually prevent concussions if you play a contact sport professionally? Lemme guess, don’t play?

[@hordeforlife827]

if you want to limit CTE in football remove the helmets and body armor. keep the mouth guards but remove the studs from the bottom of the boots there will be more broken bones spinal and neck injuries. but the concussions will be fewer but obvious when they occur.

[@dontesmith]

This is actually true i used to use my helmet as a weapon

[@muayboran6111]

Or just play rugby

[@grieffz6646]

@@muayboran6111 no

[@hw6664]

Are spinal and neck injuries better? I always think of paralysis when I think of those two. That doesn't seem any better.

[@hordeforlife827]

@@hw6664 spinal and neck injuries at the very least can be diagnosed and treated. CTE can only be found in autopsy at the moment and usually after a catastrophic climax to that person's life via violent suicide. I would rather go through a grueling rehabilitation than descend into isolation, madness, hopelessness and eventually self-destruction. I guess everyone is different.

[@Dylan-gs9sm]

Wish I didn’t play man it’s not only nfl players

[@okey2884]

I'm glad I saw this before it was too late. I'm still gonna do high school football, but I should probably stop there before it's to late

[@okey2884]

@The Truth I understand.

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

Same I’ve had a few concussions not only from football but my worst one was and I feel you man. It wasn’t worth it my whole life and how I live has been changed and I still feel like I’ll inevitably get more concussions

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

@@okey2884 don’t even play in HS it’s more trouble than it’s worth

[@ssj_roger]

@@okey2884 Nah bro, you're gonna play in HS, and the moment a college makes you an offer, you're gonna play there.😂

[@nationalsock7727]

Back then gladiators died if they lost a battle. painfully? Probably, but it was over that same day and you died as yourself. Today’s sports are even crueler despite the fact that you get to go home at the end of the day even if you lose. Your brain deteriorates your thoughts and actions don’t represent you anymore and you die alone not as the man you used to be but as a victim of suffering and pain throughout your entire life and there is no cure. There is no honor in playing a sport that does this to you. Take care of your health people. ✝️

[@wadeobryan4175]

Gladiators weren't killed often why would you buy a slave spend lots of capital keeping them healthy strong and training them in combat just to off them. It would be like owners shooting a race horse if they don't get first just killing the investment.

[@brianj713]

I'm currently dealing with this while trying to be a caregiver to two family members... the human response from me dealing with dementia from 1 n stroke related deficiencies from the other often triggers my spiral.. there's uncontrollable emotions where i realize i'm over reacting but can't control, depression, n suicidal thoughts..im just glad at this point i hv to be triggered, n it's nit a constant star

[@jcman-lp6lg]

Imagine being the person who accidentally f*cks up and cuts the donated brain in the wrong spot... Geez... Career ending accident right there

[@d.i.g.i.t.a.l.9268]

how does boxing always miss the cut?

[@EihanderTv]

I’m here because of 2024 NFL Week 2 Bills vs Dolphins, TUA need to consider retiring after tonight

[@romcallis]

Football is the most entertaining of all sports but it’s time to do something to prevent CTE...like ban tackle football. Hearing these stories is just heartbreaking

[@midnightman5139]

That’s a huge ask for the league .Your suggesting banning arguably the most vital and entertaining element of the game. Don’t get me wrong I agree I think that’s the only way to solve this situation but It wouldn’t be football without it.

[@daveminion6209]

what do you do when you meet criteria for all three head injury sources: domestic violence (suffered DAILY violence from older bro growing up), football in Jr High, and 14 years in USMC. ..... and yet, the DEPT of VA refuses to give the disability I rate and are in denial that i meet diagnosis for TBI, concussions s, etc, even though i have all the symptoms of these .... and prob CTE. (not dead, yet)

[@Geno619]

That's exactly why I came here. My brother had multiple concussions from football and several motorcycles hits from cars & deers . He's suffering from this now at age 60 . I can't help him Drs. have done the diagnosis and he has it but nothing medically they are doing helps. He says he's not qualified for disability but I think he is not the type of person that would accept it. It's thinking like that , depression anxiety has him up all night afraid to sleep. Wow no way I'd let my grandsons play football or ride motorcycles it's just not worth it.

[@mtsestudos7145]

@@Geno619 what are your symptoms?

[@yoda9518]

Life is suffering. We are starting to realize more clearly the risk of playing sports, especially head contact ones. Would it be better to play or not risk it? It is up to you. You will probably regret either one. That doesn't mean you will but that is the human condition. There is no happy ending. Enjoy the moment and use your head for thinking, not just as a battering ram, but do if you think it best.

[@patoluis6349]

Know I understand why you are called yoda

[@bigchungas944]

I am in grade 11 this is my first year playing football if I get 1 concussion I’m not playing

[@landon9952]

Then quit you’ll get one

[@micahkiyimba8641]

CONCUSSIONS don't cause CTE. The repetitive hits to the head do. You are likely to get CTE if you keep playing, even if you avoid concussions. I suggest you change to baseball or Basketball

[@ts214121]

@@micahkiyimba8641 Bennet Omalu mentioned the term subconcussive hit. I am glad I did cross-country running and track in high school.

[@adhs-coachingzentrum9127]

Why start? You are risking your future. Pick out a pot that doesn't have blows to the head as an _integral_ part of them.

[@adhs-coachingzentrum9127]

@@micahkiyimba8641 It's a complicated issue. The brain is soft, in a hard scull that has bony, sharp ridges. Blows to the head make the brain slosch in reaction and it moves against the bony, sharp ridges. There are KZbin videos that show the actual consistency of the brain and what happens through blows to the head. Avoid them!'

[@OngoGablogian185]

Brilliant. So glad that the ignorance of youth led me to years as a mortarman in the military and a competitive boxer. Definitely not doomed.

[@diamonds2817]

I will always love watching football and listening to my husband talk about his time playing and how it really is such a great sport! That being said, I would much rather watch a safe game with zero helmet to helmet and blind side hits. The players really do matter on and off the field! They show us what teamwork looks like with a melting pot of diversity (race, politics, religions, etc.) The NFL does a great job at honoring the athlete from each team for their charity work with Walter Payton MOY. It's a family. I'm thankful for the doctors and people working to make this game better.

[@MusicByKsyusha]

Watch the movie ‘Concussion’. The NFL isn’t some happy, charity organization you think it is.

[@midnightman5139]

@@MusicByKsyushaalso the frontline documentary “a league of denial” which the movie is partially based on

[@nope4116]

Thanks to Dr.Bennet Omalu for discovering this disease

[@ightimmaheadout290]

This is why soccer will only get more and more popular. Parents don't want their kids getting CTE, ribs and ankles broken, torn acls, etc. You already see it in many schools, they struggle filling up football teams

[@adhs-coachingzentrum9127]

Unfortunately soccer is also very dangerous, primarily but not exclusively due to head balls, and so particularly for women. There are a number of KZbin videos on this, just search for them.

[@dormousecat3947]

Contactless sports like tennis would be better alternative.

[@ightimmaheadout290]

@@adhs-coachingzentrum9127 Nowhere near as close to football

[@ightimmaheadout290]

@@dormousecat3947 There is a fine line between enjoyment and safetyness, imo soccer is at the sweet spot. Football is too dangerous, and tennis is way too boring (I would say in my opinion, but viewership data backs it up).

[@imateapot51]

@@ightimmaheadout290 If you do not like tennis, how about Golf? Since this post is about soccer, I played D1 college soccer. When fullbacks head goal kicks and goalie punts that is like getting hit on the head in football. Forwards try to glance the ball forward so not as bad. A very quick fix to soccer would be no goalie punts and no goal kicks. In my state kids are not allowed to head the ball until a certain age. I ran a 100 yard dash in 15 seconds, while heading a ball. If I knew about CTE 40 years ago I certainly would not do that. Soccer players have developed CTE.

[@arqjavierobregon]

Can the NFL make magnetic helmets that when they get to close they will bounce back like magnets?

[@untitle161]

Sometime I feel empty that I never played contact sports.

[@robertbishop5357]

It's not just football, its also in hockey, rugby, soccer, basketball and even baseball, auto racing, motorcycle racing.

[@Zer-bk3uy]

how do you forget combat sports

[@jjjreese]

Please please please bring awareness … please God please…

[@theshadow5800]

I hadn't thought of it much till now, focusing on football related head trauma, but I do wonder what other activities are similarly vulnerable to the vicissitudes of CTE...certain miltary positions and experiences, personal combat sports of all varieties, the NHL, and soccer? As to mitigating the disease by making changes to football, that's a pipe dream. As long as any sport or vocation demands direct and repeated concussive physical contact of the head, the problem will persist. The human body is fragile and vulnerable with little margin for error, misuse, or abuse.

[@MichaelTice-r9l]

My dad and uncle both had ten and 13 years playing in nfl need to ask if they’re donating their brains..lol people deny cte probably never played football even at high school at high level..I would see stars every game probably idk average 15 times a game.then I learned to cope with when head contact was hard and I’d lose vision for about ten seconds

[@judobisafr]

I got medication that was wrong and almost fell to the floor everyday for a few month. Sometimes on the head. Sometimes unconscious for about 40 min. Could I have it.

[@spookyskelly5276]

Brains are gross. Now when I get high I'm going to be thinking about how I have one of those gross blobs in my head. I just got over the fact that I have a spooky skeleton inside me.

[@markortiz4309]

Imagine seeing this video, and knowing it's your son's brain.

[@oldmanballer5088]

Kevin’s brother is in denial and it’s sad that he just can’t admit it.

[@andrewr62]

What is interesting and a little confusing is that people who never played sports or had repeated brain trauma has also been diagnosed with CTE after death. Apparently auto immune diseases, depression and migraine sufferers in smaller numbers suffered from CTE.

[@markross2124]

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy discovered by a Pittsburgh Pathologist. The movie concussion broke my heart as a die-hard Steeler fan I idolized Mike Webster, Justin Strzelczyk and Terry Long. Bennet Omalu deserves nothing but respect for discovering this disease making people aware of horrid potential long-term and life threatening problems.

[@lock_zzzlockzzz6704]

Played 6-14 and I truly think at 18 I have cte always depressed mood swings and the will to live vanished please lord help me😢

[@manormanman7092]

This is why rugby and it's many variants seem better not only because it's a better sport and more technical but because it's just healthier.

[@mohammedelder6247]

Explain how? Rugby is very similar to football except they wear no gear and no headwear to protect themselves.

[@skullium5920]

The biggest problem in rugby is not cte but spinal issues from the scrum, but tactical is very different from rugby and football, football is more like charging while rugby is more like wrestling in a way

[@RhodokTribesman]

@@mohammedelder6247 football armor does the opposite of protect because it acts as a weapon. This is why NFL players hit and rugby players tackle

[@michaelmason6531]

Speed speed speed .. rugby is for turtles good sport but sloooooooow. Speed kills

[@JohnSchaeferUNIVERSE]

LIFT WEIGHTS ALL WEEK, THEN WE'LL RUN FULL SPEED TOWARDS THEM, THEY'LL DO THE SAME, THEN WE'LL RUN STRAIGHT INTO EACH OTHER! WHAT COULD GO WRONG

[@nope4116]

Where is doctor bennett??🤔

[@anthonygambitta6220]

After seeing Teddy Bridgewater's injury, I cringe. I still believe the sport will never be safe. CTE will remain as long as football or any other impact sport remains.

[@elephantintheroomtv3306]

Here for Antonio Brown

[@davidweigel8072]

Has anyone heard of Stem Cell treatment to combat this issue? Any resources anyone know of. Thank you. I suffer same.

[@brandonware4375]

This is about CTE.. meanwhile my only thoughts are on how they use music to guide your emotions

[@brandonware4375]

@DeerAntlerJuice what does it say?

[@dend1]

Music is a form of mind control

[@brandonware4375]

@@dend1 facts!!

[@francessealexis160]

@@dend1 yes it really is. Smh

[@e.rivera4251]

Technology needs to step in.. as they did in NASCAR and/or Formula 1 , i am sure they can address safety equipment that would allow the game to keep been exciting without harm to the players, but all must be willing to accept the changes...

[@throwbiegd6627]

@Fetus for Jesus this is why I just do flag football

[@OngoGablogian185]

Wait a few decades for the MMA and so-called 'power-slap' worlds to reveal the extent of damage caused.

[@westcoastnative2523]

It's unfortunate, but football is still the game I love. And have no regrets strapping up the pads. That being said Im certain OJ Simpson has CTE. I think Aaron hernandez had it. I'm willing to bet Chris benoit (WWF/WWE) had it with all those concussions he sustained during his career.

[@NoName-gv6nm]

Watch League of Denial. Almost every football player will have it to some degree. Its the dozens of small hits week after week that add up and do the damage

[@KB-ny2lc]

You THINK Hernandez had it? Lol

[@westcoastnative2523]

@@KB-ny2lc ok, valid point. Lol

[@th3menace243]

Yeah Aaron Hernandez had the most severe case of CTE at his age. Not saying that what he did was completely caused by CTE but it definitely had a factor.

[@Dead_L4st]

@@KB-ny2lc it’s a fact that he did. There’s no “THINK” about it. They checked his brain. He had one of the most severe cases ever found of someone his age.

[@ontop2324]

great video

[@MrJuvefrank]

I disagree with them for praising football. I don't even watch it because I already know that a football team is going to win.

[@JeepisJunk]

I played pop warner, high school and jr college football. I have all but memory loss. Mood swings, depression etc. FML.

[@JeepisJunk]

Chris.....Thank you for your efforts and support. I will go down hill alone. I ask God to help me everyday.

[@yourreverter3012]

Word is it affects players without their 3rd molar 10 times more since their skull is disconnected from their spine.

[@Mike-ks6qu]

Until we as a species evolve significantly enough to not get pleasure from watching the destruction of others, these sports will exist. As George Carlin said tho, we're barely out of the jungles. We have computers and satellites but we're not nearly as sophisticated as we think we are.

[@OGCinemaATL]

Who’s here after the Ex-Niners Player ?

[@Bigman.I.S.]

I'm someone who plays basketball and football in middle school and football is one of my favorite sports to play especially with my friends any ideas on how I can keep playing football while minimizing risk of CTE (I play receiver)

[@mauricio654]

Incredible that after their deaths the relatives still defend the sport... this NFL money have bougth them all..

[@aaronbirook4367]

They only care about $

[@curturweider9473]

The NFL was going downhill before CTE was just announced the only reason it even floats anymore is because of gambling. They realize they were losing viewers so they started fantasy football many years ago that brought in 33 million extra viewers now all they do is advertise gambling on TV during the games it keeps the game interesting people will watch it now

[@phenitagomes1292]

Sad. And they can't even accept that this is dangerous. He's not ready to say that this is a dangerous thing to do. If that's not Insanity I don't know what is. If he feels his word dying over that's a shame. I will never look at these Sports the same again. I just discovered what CTE is and this is disturbing. It goes to show if the truth was told to us it will turn our world upside down and we wouldn't accept it.

[@aguy559]

People will look back at the present era and see the same archaic brutality we see when we look at Rome and the Colosseum.

[@Adilulph]

Smashing your head against walls is not good for your health, who would have thought that ? 🙄🙄🙄

[@pinkipromise]

football should be like soccer. not a contact sports. use your legs to kick the ball. no serious injuries and most players play till they are older

[@hw6664]

There are definitely concussions in soccer too. Just headbutting the ball can't be good for your head, let alone the heads of kids growing up playing it.

[@WhoopityDoo]

They're finding CTE in soccer players too. Heading the ball over and over is causing CTE as well. They're going to be finding this in plenty of MMA fighters as well.

[@Galworld761]

We owe the players more as a society? Lady, we have homeless vets in this country. Do you think that will happen? I think the league needs to be honest with players about the risk. Players under 18 should have strict rules around hits. Players under 14 should not have tackling.

[@elliefuller3667]

Maybe consider this: we can take care of both problems, and other problems, all together.

[@evanwilliamson3602]

“The science isn’t there for it” The neuropathologist clearly showed a brain FULL of pathology and thinning and degeneration. Jeez.

[@anthonyhutchins2300]

Everyone that plays football accepts mental illness. I wish I could play again... I'm not even 30 and I struggle

[@olsonbryce777]

Not true. We have children/teens getting injured for life because of insane parents

[@Dead_L4st]

That’s not true at all. Maybe a little bit more now, but these players are being pushed into contact sports while they’re still children. Children can not make informed decisions about their future like an adult can.

[@CamiloSanchez1979]

How come you don't see this in rugby?

[@markbritton7612]

Look it up

[@drpoundsign]

I'm pretty sure you DO see it in Rugby. But, a Rugby match is continuous action (until a goal is scored.) There's none of the constant start/stop at the line of scrimmage. That's hard on the Linemen. Also tackling in Rugby is more like a gang-bang. The head is less-involved.