Mike Webster Closing Remarks @ 1997 Pro Football HOF Enshrinement

Mike Webster did not miss a game for 10 consecutive years, 1976-1985. Missed only four games first 16 seasons. Started 150 consecutive games. Started in four Super Bowls, six AFC championship games. Played in nine Pro Bowls, Captain for 9 years.

[@mgh0815]

I saw "Concussion" last night. This poor man was thrown away like a piece of meat. NFL denied him disability. He died a pauper with rotting teeth in the back of a pickup truck. A Hall of Famer from the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL and the Steelers should be embarrassed and held accountable.

[@k9spjack]

I saw the movie and it pissed me off. Everyone in Pittsburgh revered Mike Webster. But where were they when he needed help? Jeez, I didn't even know the Man and it was obvious to me that something wasn't right with him during his speech.. Why didn't they reach out to him? Why? Because they were done with him... What a shame, what a damn shame! R.I.P. Mike Webster

[@doublebigMark]

They already made their money.

[@hoss73ford]

I still like the game but despised the NFL's denial and worse yet trying to cover it up. At least the cat is now out of the bag. The injuries come with the territory & I accept that but the NFL should have not tried to dodge the issue.

[@k9spjack]

I have a friend that has worked for a major Football Helmet Company for years... He told me that the best way to prevent all of these concussions is to remove the Facemasks! Their research showed that Football Players feel invincible with all of cool looking Facemasks... And if they didn't have them, they wouldn't lead with their heads when tackling... He told me that the Helmet Companies have been recommending this for decades. But no one wants to remove them for whatever reason!

[@hoss73ford]

It does make sense. There was a time they didn't have them & some played as recently as the 1970s with just the one bar.

[@jamesb1988]

As tragic as Mike Webster's death was, we should take solace in the fact that because of him and Dr. Bennet Omalu every athlete forever on will be much more aware of the existing dangers of contact sports. RIP Iron Mike.

[@Bigchet1223]

I met iron Mike a year before he passed. He was signing autographs at a card shop in Ohio. I almost did not go. Glad I did. He signed the whole side of my football which I still have today. I had my picture taken with him too. I felt like a 12 year old kid again. Mike was very cordial and friendly.

[@gmailplaystore1152]

Did he look sick to you?

[@barrettgilbreath3313]

Gmail Playstore well this video is 5 years before he passed and you can clearly see symptoms of CTE in his body language and how he speaks. with 4 years for CTE to progress through his brain i can almost guarantee you he looked very sick

[@LizandBigGerry]

My husband was a friend of Mike's and said he was not only the best player to ever put on pads, but the brightest and kindest man as well. Sad as many of the players of that generation, including my husband who was diagnosed in 2005 with frontal lobe dementia ( at the age of 52), are fighting with the NFL to this very day. While the movie may have missed on a couple factual points, it was spot-on regarding the devastating effects of football- related concussive injuries which result in CTE. The NFL has been despicable in their handling of this issue. The Webster generation made little money compared to today's players. Even with my husband's rare NFL designation of total and permanent disability, which was granted in 2005, the NFL continues to deny and delay. Sickening the way they treat their older "family" members.

[@MickeyMorandini1]

+Elizabeth Nicholson I know people who are anti football. We could sit here and rip everything from Steubenville, Ohio scandal to Penn State to NFL guys who hit women.. to the league handling of CTE. But if you talk to older guys who played the game, they adore it. There are wonderful guys who play football. and I feel terrible for the way your husband and his generation are treated. Before all the video games and and million dollar contracts, the NFL treats the pre 1993 retirees terrible overall. the NFL had a chance to do the right thing so many times.

[@mgh0815]

+Elizabeth Nicholson I am sorry to hear that your husband suffers from a brain injury as well. It is disgusting that the NFL won't dip into its billions of dollars to help him and your family. Of course, Goodall's job is to "protect the shield." These punks playing now couldn't carry Webster's or your husband's jock. God Bless you and your family Elizabeth.

[@LizandBigGerry]

Thanks for the kind words; yes the NFL is despicable and we are actually one of only a handful of players who were awarded T and P disability. SO many of my husband Gerry's contemporaries are so tough but hurting so badly. Shame on the NFL. And yep😊 The punks today could not hold a candle to the warriors who gave it their all Thanks for listening!

[@hopperkrane12]

+Elizabeth Nicholson Beautiful, moving words. May God bless you,your husband Gerry and your whole Family.

[@LizandBigGerry]

Thanks so much, Ian. Seeing and hearing all the Super Bowl hype is difficult to watch knowing so many guys suffering due to the NFLs continued denials and negligence. Appreciate the kind words!!

[@Seitanic_panic]

You could tell he use to be a really smart guy, football just mushed his brain.

[@sonny7194]

@@itsokay79 haha probably mate. Btw if you play football/soccer just know repeatedly heading the ball can lead to concussion like symptoms 😊

[@jesseperera8735]

He was high on adderall to have been able to talk "this well" RIP to the man

[@rampageclover9788]

Parts of his brain were working better than others.

[@jesseperera8735]

@Jason Blaha’s Strength and Fatness he literally forged a fake prescription for ritalin his ex wife said he couldnt talk let alone have a conversation unless he was on a good amount of adderall

[@ryanjacobson2508]

Early onset dementia can strike anyone, even if they did not play contact sports. Let's not forget that the brain can to some extent repair itself, although this ability declines with age (Merrill Hoge retired from football around the age 30,, suffered from post concussion syndrome, but within 5-10 years he felt much better mentally). Fun Fact: some aging boxers and football players say that they do not believe that sports had any serious impact on their brains, since they still feel fine and aren't having any troubles).

[@glassgiraffe1185]

You can see the initial phases of CTE in his speech mechanics and body movements. So sad. Thankfully now at least we know about this terrible disease. Check out the movie "Concussion." R.I.P Iron Mike!!!!

[@anthony0358]

Football was always there for me, when I was a boy. I used to cry when I had to go back to school as a little boy. The only thing that got my through bullying, having no friends, being shy, was watching Football on Sunday. I am heartbroken to know that many of the players who got me through my childhood are suffering with CTE

[@ryanwarner5006]

It's just a game.

[@sapashini2613]

@@ryanwarner5006 you’ve obviously never seen a football match, yeah it’s just a game but it’s very physical and the only sport where wages are really earned by the players

[@frankcastle4435]

Don’t worry Ryan they always need cheerleaders and band players

[@noshow22]

You sound like a real loser.

[@washeedjones307]

The most underrated Pittsburgh Steeler who didn't get the recognition or respect he deserved.... Iron Mike.... Rest peacefully!!!

[@DonaldDump2024]

Ok, I’m a grown man in my 70’s. Been a Cowboys fan since I lived in Texas as a boy. Hated the Steelers so much since they were so good that they’d beat my beloved team in The Super Bowl. Even so, I highly respected them. The Steelers were undeniably great. To see Mike Webster’s early deterioration and great suffering pained me greatly. I admired him. I had an unusual hate for the Steelers. I think it was more so an envious admiration. Respect to our great adversaries. RIP Iron Mike, you paved the way yet again for others.

[@hardcorehouse]

I was a devoted and knowledgeable Steelers fan from the very beginning of their run; no one I hated more than the Cowboys. But the truth is, those were the two best teams to ever play one another in the Super Bowl, and some of the best games ever.the only two teams that have something like that level of players and coaching since then was the patriots against the Seahawks about 10 years ago.

[@Celery459]

I never knew about Mike Webster until I watched concussion. I just wanted to come by and say RIP. This man seemed like a kind, hardworking, dedicated man. It's so sad to see how he was treated after the legacy he left behind. Hopefully his life will help to educate others to ensure things like this don't happen again. RIP gentle giant.

[@tangents6299]

I can see that David Marle truly captured the essence of Mike Webster.

[@Bibugwes]

Same here, Celery459. Just heartbreaking what happened to him and all the other football players who got CTE like he did. Thanks to Dr. Omalu, though, his death was not in vain. Praying for all those who now have CTE and for their families as well. It is indeed truly despicable how the NFL lied to them about it.

[@zyxwut321]

I remember watching this speech live when I was younger and being scared and confused by it. It was obvious something was seriously wrong with Mike here. At the time I figured he was drunk or high on painkillers or something but sadly it ended up being much worse. He was so erratic at some parts of his speech I thought they were going to eventually need to gently escort him offstage. At least his suffering is over and we've all been able to learn from his experience.

[@Stonkers_]

concussion brought me here.

[@pelelanjamba374]

+Chris andrews me2

[@claird4307]

me 3

[@gates1991]

+Chris andrews ....me 4 :)

[@MrDirecter100]

me 5

[@tangents6299]

+Nathan Dolce me 6

[@MrMrONeill]

I watched "NFL League of Denial " today. Mike Webster was so tough !, but it was heartbreaking what happened to him, after his 17 year career. RIP Mike, you were a True Warrior. ( I will say a hell of a lot less about the NFL)

[@hoss73ford]

On the field he was Bradshaw's body guard. If Mike was in front of Terry, he usually didn't get sacked. Mike is one of the relatively few lineman to get credit and be remembered well but much of that came after his death.

[@Bigchet1223]

Best center that ever played the game. Hands down. Unfortunately he paid the price for his longevity and work ethic in the end.

[@mikerobinson4092]

Rick O'Neill I didn't like because you have 52 likes how ironic👍

[@nymike06]

Mike Webster was just 45-yeas-old in this video. He looks far more older than the average 45-year-old male.

[@applescruff1969]

That's what football does to you.

[@sidhenry6422]

Not really theres people that are 30 and look 40 or 50 its genetics

[@kabwayaa]

He looks 65-70

[@simonroy2123]

He looks so damn confused.

[@RedsoxPats34]

He looked 60 here

[@christschool]

Mike was a hero of mine in the 70's. I remember watching him and the Steele curtain at Three Rivers as a 10 - 12 year old child. My dad had season tickets in the press box section. The man was an unselfish warrior. I haven't seen the movie Concussion but plan to. RIP Mike. Like many others that failed you, I'm sorry, but sorry is too late.

[@fabriciosilva7242]

You know, i am not from usa, not even live up there but when i watched any given sunday in 2002 i started to enjoy NFL. But when i find out and watched the movie i got sick. NFL was never the same. Today i barely have the will to watch any match. To me it's still weird all those guys hitting each other on the head with the possible injury.

[@johndidio5198]

So tragic and sad but hopefully he enjoyed the incredible moments along the way !PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR THIS SPECIAL MAN & his FAMILY !

[@paulaugustine9675]

the movie concussion definitely brought me here, to say this man was treated like an afterthought would be a huge understatement. I have so much respect for how strong he was throughout the entire battle. I was really looking for a quote that stuck out in this speech, he also said it once or twice in the movie... I'm gonna try and quote it even though I may be horribly mistaken "In football you fight and fight down to the last play." ???? anyway you can see he used that same approach with his battle with CTE. the guy fought it hard man. The NFL is a disgrace for not giving better care to these retirees. RESPECT and ADMIRATION for Mike and all of the other players in that movie, they fought hard and just couldn't get the help.

[@mp1323]

My uncle played in the NFL, his name was Angelo T. Incorvaia. He was a lineman for the New York Giants from 1986-1989. I hope that he's doing well with his health and life right now.

[@davidparkes7741]

Damn he was a walking brain injury even then, the slurring of words, constant stop starting of sentences etc.

[@Foreign_Royal]

You hit that on the button, those guys in the those yellow sports jacket had to know he wasn't all mentally there.

[@davidparkes7741]

Latte' Lawson Right? It's an absolute tragedy what happened to him.

[@Foreign_Royal]

+David Parkes Ask yourself something.. If you had natural physical talent and you were poor and couldn't play basketball because you sucked at it.. and you didn't excel academically in school. What would you be willing to risk when it comes too feeding your family?

[@davidparkes7741]

Latte' Lawson Fair point. It still goes back on the NFL though. They should've helped him and the others after their careers were over rather than ignoring the problem and treating them like they were disposable.

[@Foreign_Royal]

+David Parkes Very true. Tough boat to be in.. The league treats former players like our govt treats our veterans.

[@williamivery1809]

He was the only player on the Pittsburgh Steeler team that I liked because I was a Dallas Cowboy fan rest in peace Mike Webster 😥

[@tinman8518]

A truly great player. I remember him also for playing in short sleeves in games where it was well below zero temperatures. A tough, tough man. Every bit as tough as Jack Lambert was on defense. I'm sorry he developed CTE.

[@apr8189]

I can remember seeing this back then and thought to myself that something wasn't right here. You can definitely tell CTE was taking it's hold on Mike Webster. And to think the NFL was nowhere in sight when he needed help...

[@manhalen7046]

Take notice of how he keeps touching his head. His body literally knows, intuitively, that something is wrong in the cranium. So incredibly sad.

[@The-Endo-SymArmor]

I know I'm late but agreed

[@tangents6299]

The NFL were not his friends when he needed them. Used and abused. I saw Concussion the other night, and, wow, what a way to go. Glory, fame, money, then, bam, middle age you're a goner.

[@KainHerringCorey]

Rest in paradise Mike Webster 🙏🏽

[@rarden73]

Greatest center to ever play the game. So sad to see him like this, and it got so much worse

[@thomaswatkins3686]

My lord. He was so incoherent. His thoughts were so random. Just imagine.....his mind was trying to work and to him this probably made sense. What a disaster the NFL created for this kind man. He deserves to rest in peace.

[@ivettey.wrighton]

He gave millions to NFL but NFL gave him nothing!

[@jamesmurphy5742]

The NFL has Never had a better Center RIP Mike

[@jonathankubacki7446]

Mike Webster played as hard as any player in NFL history I don’t think he ever has gotten or will get the credit for being one of the top 3-4 offensive lineman ever to play the game and definitely the best center no question. Being a Steelers Fan all my life there’s 5 offensive lineman that stand above all others John Hannah, Jon Ogden, Anthony Munoz, Larry Allen and Mike Webster. The NFL should be ashamed of themselves the way they handled the situation for Mike Webster RIP IRON MIKE WE LOVE YOU!!

[@bryanfindley1438]

I saw the movie CONCUSSION just today.. and it all is just shocking... ALSO, Thanx to Mike Webster..

[@jayminmcdonald9997]

This is heartbreaking. Football should do the right thing and take care of these guys, get them the care that they need.

[@gbelgie9146]

One year later, I ran in to Mike in a store where we both lived near. He..the Iron Man..was my size. 185/90 at best. He was very cordial when we spoke. Didn't know it'd be the last time would ever speak to true hero.

[@mabelellington9394]

poor mike "fun is winning". RIP GOD BLESS you and ur family.

[@kevinmacdougall6665]

I was there that day for Coach Shula's induction. The place was filled with Dolphins and Steelers fans

[@thielees]

It’s a great sport, but I can’t watch it the same way as before. I just see the violent jolts and heads snapping around no matter how I try not to.

[@jdtele2888]

wow... yeah, he rambles on and on and his thoughts are all over the place. Sad to see his brain was affected by all those hits.

[@LitCentralMillennialXLIII]

+Steve Hall centers hit and make contact every offensive snap re re, blocking blitzing LBS and DTs

[@jdtele2888]

+Steve Hall ever look at his helmet ?

[@lonestarpatriot876]

+Steve Hall Better yet, have you ever played football as an Offensive Lineman? You Sir have no idea what you are talking about, and are clearly ignoring the ample evidence of CTE. It is not even the big blows that are the most concerning. It is the repetitive blows that causes the build up of TAU proteins in the Brain. Go check out any NFL, College, or Highschool offensive lineman's helmet after just one season of use and you will see paint scratches and gouges all over them.

[@scottg2763]

Steve Hall this guy has no idea what he's talking about. and I'm not talking about Mike webster

[@bhiksha]

CTE was found from autopsy of his brain.

[@EBUNNY2012]

Concussion. Closed head injuries are no joke. Horrible.

[@mott0mottO]

I always stood behind the NFL because in my heart I believed the league had the best intentions for all its members. From ganetors to executives to those amazing athletes. But what made me change this heart burning belief is the story of Mike Webster. I couldn't belive how horrible this man was treated; was denied; and ultimately how he was left to die. I thought it was an exaggeration of Hollywood. I still belive in the NFL in the commitment they now have but until they have the balls to tell fans and players how wrong they are, I wont support the league. The commisioner ought to have been FIRED for the role he played. I still cannot believe it. Damn!

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

Moss Pat u still believe in the dog shit scum company called the NFL. There only helping these people bec if they don't they won't get more money. Bunch of greedy pieces of dog shit.

[@thomaswatkins3686]

I was a Roger supporter until I saw LOD. It changed me cataclysmically toward him immediately. Others were implicated, but it was the fact he had hard evidence and let it go that grinds me to no end.

[@michaelclyburn5858]

We love you Webbie. Rest In Peace Mike.

[@darrylskylar8757]

Rest In Peace🙏🤍🕊🙏♥️

[@horstebreedow8608]

Tomahawk and Lincoln County are proud of you Mike. RIP.

[@bryantipton5573]

I love you Mike. And I miss you buddy. GOD bless you!

[@romekhanna]

You can see him struggling during this speech. He didn't complete most of his sentences, punctuation is completely missed and he is trying his level best to connect his own sentences. Sad ending to a man who was a hero to so many.

[@tionlover]

What exactly does this indicate?

[@errolkim1334]

Dead 5 years later. Aged 50. Had the body of a 90 year old. God bless you Mike. God bless you.

[@willtoll43]

Omg!!! During this speech, he's struggling. Just a bunch of run in sentences. God bless you Iron Mike. RIP

[@user-tl2cs6wv8b]

A beast who intimidated opponents! He'll definitely be missed! Iron Mike Webster!

[@tedkiser6860]

My brother wore no.52 when he played center on his high school football team 1978 to 1982. We areboth avid Steelers fans

[@patriciafletcher3164]

Just watched Concussion The movie brought me here The movie brought tears to my eyes

[@BarbuDoruAlexandru]

Concussion bring me here ! David Morse is such an incredible actor !

[@nelsonporter8387]

Iron Mike. The best center ever

[@leonlion4112]

After making millions with him, they threw him away like trash

[@jocksmen]

Even that day Mike appears to be slightly "punchy" in his vocabulary. He sadly resorted to forging scripts to get the meds he was so badly in need of. How ironic that the movie CONCUSSION portrayed DAVE DUERSON of the Chicago Bears who was supposed to be a spokesperson for this illness but died of the same torment. RIP Guys NO ONE DESERVED THIS END.

[@numaromero]

yes, I came here for "concussions" too

[@crunchchannel9391]

Even though we know about CTE this game is like war, there will always be some one willing to step in and do it. Just watching the game i see way more major blows then what are reported.

[@ryanwarner5006]

Less and less parents are willing to let their kids do it. A responsible parent doesn't let their kid play football.

[@rehobothwell]

Finally watched concussion last night. What a sad ending this man had.

[@rhuss2322]

Love mike Webster and i was allways a raider fan. Mr mike was the best

[@humzahhassan4521]

This shows we have to make the game safer since it will never go away.

[@ryanwarner5006]

The way to make it safer is end it. Or make it non contact flag football. I'm for ending the garbage sport.

[@jacobstonebraker1556]

@@ryanwarner5006 it will never end. It's literally the heart and soul of the economy in most cities. The talent will slowly start getting worse over the years, and the great ones will retire sooner. But it will never end. Theres too much money involved, It's too damn fun, and too mesmerizing to young boys.

[@rampageclover9788]

NFL and the Steelers should be ashamed of themselves. This man sacrificed his most valuable asset to help make them a fortune... and in return for that he spent the last days of his life under a bridge in his car...not knowing who he was, where he was or what he was

[@richardnunez3474]

You could tell then in this video he was long since starting to show signs. Rip Mike Webster.

[@claymac7895]

The NFL fucked this man over in incomprehensible unforgivable ways.

[@broncobilly4029]

Mike Webster had a very sad end, but he was one of the best centers in NFL history.

[@mrlarbi1001x]

'Concussion' - The film, enlightened me and brought me here... That's what the film industry is supposed to do...

[@redmustangredmustang]

The worst part is that the CTE would just get worse year after year. He wasn't the man he was. He was beat up and used and then thrown away. He literally had to sell his Super Bowl rings to stay alive. Still even in death, Mike brought CTE and the dangers of the concussions to the forefront thanks to Dr.Omalu.

[@verlinden80]

Jus like the others said on here I didn't kno who Mike was til I saw concussion and its jus so sad what ended up happening to him later in life. Im glad one of the players was tryna reach out to him but even that player wus dealin wit his own brain issues according to the movie. These greats deserve better. RIP Mike Webster

[@beehead5661]

He played many years. Retired at 38 years old. Played 245 pro games and started 217 of them. Had he retired earlier I wonder if he'd have been spared his tragic demise. Of course, those days player's made a lot less money and he so loved the game...

[@huckfinn9225]

God blessings the Webster family

[@yousraxo4363]

RIP Mike Webster 🌹

[@frankcastle4435]

RIP Iron Mike

[@ChiefMac]

Concussion brought me here

[@designermuppetstring]

Me too. Great movie and a real sad story.

[@tyh8464]

me too

[@marktheshark9685]

the same. its sad.. but at least the world now *KNOWS the TRUTH*

[@BrainyLassie]

me too

[@3rdstatestudio]

same..shit is deep,and as of Jan 2016, 90% of the NFL got the cte already.fucked up

[@bigsky3072]

Mike was my neighbor in Lodi Wisconsin. He was fine in the 70's, then he became really messed up.

[@MrDirecter100]

BTW David Morse should win an Oscar

[@cardsfighter2]

+Nathan Dolce he was on screen for about 10 mins max, including the time spent on the autopsy table. Don't be stupid.

[@mheiseus]

+Tug Speedman no fucking way he put on a powerhouse performance man.

[@jaymemphis1680]

Sorry Mike Webster. Love you and RIP

[@frankietjspecial]

The Frontline documentary League of Denial completely changed my perception of football and the NFL. I attended college at Washington & Jefferson where football was a big part of the college culture. I’m relieved that I was never built to play this game. Instead I grew up participating in lacrosse. As much as I love watching football, I think parents should make a concerted effort to steer their children into other competitive sports and avoid this game at all costs. I already know six of my friends who are not allowing their sons to play football. The rewards are clearly not worth the risks of playing this game. Unfortunately for some families football is their child’s only path to financial success, but at what cost?

[@theredraven]

Ummm....I read that after American Football, Lacrosse is the next sport in line for number of concussions caused.

[@JohnSmith-lb6ic]

Webster=BAD ASS.

[@maviswinkler817]

His coach from Rhinelander, WI, tried to get help from the NFL to no avail......it seemed it was all "too new" to the NFL.......I believe they "knew", but wouldn't admit! Very sad indeed. I remember him working out in coach's backyard as I lived next door. I also was told his case was "too old" so the NFL would not reimburse him, but did others. RIP Mike Webster.

[@thomasayer7511]

Poor guy. He was a mess. RIP 52

[@SenorShot]

Acabei de ver o filme com Will Smith. Deu dó desse cara. Terminou na miséria, como mendigo, sendo humilhado pela imprensa americana e pela mídia em geral. Tiravam sarro dele nas ruas... E agora descobrem que era uma doença causada pelo esporte. Que coisa lamentável e triste.

[@YOURMOMCALLSME]

The look on Bradshaw's face as he's speaking

[@KartingApexKing]

His special friends, where were they when he needed them.

[@johnkraven7580]

Alot of them tried to help him , he wouldn't take it you moron !!

[@errolkim1334]

The Steelers QB Bradshaw did offer to rent an apartment and pay his bills.

[@mjbarbaraconstantestremera5509]

Wow 😭 he's a mess. His words make no sense, he's all over the place, he can't finish his sentences, his eyes are rolling to the back of his head, he looked fatigued and exhausted. This is sad!!!!

[@Jamie-js3qw]

not true, his words do make sense, he expressed himself very well there. If you want, I can transcribe his words word for word then submit them to an English teacher for parsing.

[@beestonpoet]

Wouldn't go thT far he is talking alot of sence. Clearly he was suffering a bit with his years of bangs to the head an there's a few moments he drifts off but over all he did a good job an delivered a good speech

[@stephaniepatrick3362]

Sense*

[@stephaniepatrick3362]

Just want to point that out SINCE you are saying the man made SENSE

[@losvideosmassencillosdelmu9121]

Parece un hombre de 70 años

[@buusa]

Rip mike

[@charliewartelle6720]

Terry Bradshaw has helped Webster's family over the years. Bradshaw is the most famous and successful former members of the Dynasty, but he has never been able to completely reconcile his relationship with the Steelers. He never did mend his relationship with Chuck Noll who, ironically, experienced dementia in his later years, probably due to CTE's from his own playing days. I have never quibbled about the salaries that football players make. They put their bodies on the line every single play, doing something that very few of us would have the guts to do. For those who think that football players are victims, hoodwinked into an activity that inflicts pain for the benefit of others, you could not be more wrong. All team sports, but particularly football derive from the spirit that motivates men to band together as brothers for a cause in battle, in business and in life. It is why men leave the comforts and safety of their childhood home protected by their parents to strike out on their own, to prove their worth to the world. If Mike Webster were here today I'm sure he would say the same.

[@Nhamp2000]

If they started playing when they were 18 years old, and adults, I would agree with your second paragraph. But since most players start playing at the pee-wee level when they're 8-10 years old, how are they not being hoodwinked? Even by the time a kid hits 18 and is legally an adult, he's got 10 years of being told what to do (not to mention the brain-smashing) behind him. How many kids break away after that? Parents today who let their kids play, despite the science that shows otherwise, are no better than COVID deniers.

[@shananagainandagain]

really, given what we now know, he doesn't seem too bad. Sure he's rambling but so do alot of people giving this kind of speech. He doesn't forget peoples names. Seems like alot of players can have brain issues and not have it affect them (at least outwardly), for many years

[@jamesb1988]

shananagainandagain Look at the sensitivity to light, the odd hand gestures, the way it seems like it's his first time speaking to a large crowd despite living in the spot light the majority of his life. Mike was a 255 lb center during the time where football was BRUTAL, he got absolutely pulverized. Such a sad, sad end to such a great man.

[@frankducky6130]

He was pretty coherent to Me.

[@arceniomartinez4501]

Every time I watch football now... I pay more attention to the O and D lines, and the hits they take to the head. I love football, but really feel for them all players.

[@ryanwarner5006]

Not enough to stop watching them destroy themselves for your entertainment. But you feel for them.

[@Twar92]

@@ryanwarner5006 Don’t think it’ll really matter if he stops watching it’s not like the NFL will shutdown because ol’ Arcenio decides it’s not for him anymore. What an ignorant comment

[@mikejorsch304]

He was confused in the speech CTE was already taking effect

[@philherber6643]

Steelers fan since '75. Loved Iron Mike. I also wonder if steroids played a part. Webster was one of hundreds/thousands of centers, yet only a few are said to have the condition/symptoms he had. Research showed correlation, not necessarily causation.

[@ryanwarner5006]

I'm from Pittsburgh. The steelers, the NFL and quite frankly most of these yinzer fans are garbage. They don't give a damn about mike Webster. Because if they did no one would be watching the steelers.

[@stephaniepatrick3362]

Phil herber it is the cause .. the more research they do the more it’s been proven every player suffers .. all the brains they have studied in the hundreds .. all but two had cte so yeah it does cause cte brain death als etc

[@muhammaddng8232]

American society killed Mike twice .. First When they left him in this dangerous game just for fun ... Second When they Left him homeless until he died

[@acruz3499]

Concussion me trajo aqui

[@micmic9410]

I'm watching concussion now

[@johnnyboymena5736]

RIP Iron Mike.

[@myimorata7678]

Wonder what Bradshaw was thinking, watching a teammate ramble more or less coherently.

[@terrymoore8138]

Really they couldnt have healed him, but they sure could have kept him off the street and helped with pain and fixed his teeth.i dont undetstand the NFL, these veterans paved the way for what football is today, making 8 billion.what if you took 1.00 from each ticket for veterans from each game, how much would that help, and take care medical issues.

[@mikejorsch304]

This speech made his wife cry

[@josephthistle7026]

So how does oi one know he is suffering

[@ashleyrockabove7806]

league of denial bought me here the Webster's were the best group to help him

[@Phan-Xu]

Something is wrong.

[@ronalddurante1826]

me too