Reality of CTE

CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in people with a history of repetitive brain trauma (often athletes), including symptomatic concussions as well as asymptomatic subconcussive hits to the head that do not cause symptoms (Boston University Research Center). Football players in the 1980s did not possess the same equipment that players have today. The helmets of the former consisted of plastic and padding, while the latter have integrated technology to reduce brain injury from heavy impacts. CTE has been in the news pretty frequently as of late, in regards to former football players experiencing the condition. Football players have dealt with extreme depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts and actions. Also, diseases such as alzheimer's and dementia have stemmed from CTE. This condition was not commonly discussed, or even believed to be factual in the 1980s. However, its presence is clearer today than it has ever been. Even though CTE is commonly discussed around former NFL players, many college, and even high school players have developed the disorder. Recently, a teammate of Lynn Westfall lost his life from a stroke at the age of 51. Thankfully, the precautions taken in today's game have significantly reduced brain trauma.