The Bears’ Dave Duerson had brain damage at time of suicide. The grim reality of the injuries NFL players endure every time they step on the field is becoming more known.
BOSTON — The Boston University center that studies brain injuries to professional athletes says former NFL playerDave Duerson had the brain disease associated with repeated concussions when he committed suicide in February.
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at the B.U. School of Medicine announced on Monday its findings on its examination of Duerson’s brain, saying he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. At least 20 other deceased players have been found to have the disease.
The safety who began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears was 50 when he shot himself in the chest. He had requested that his brain be studied.
Dr. Robert Cantu, co-director of the CTSE, said at a news conference that such results normally are published first, but the Duerson family wanted them released earlier.
Duerson was drafted by the Bears in the third round out of Notre Dame in 1983. He played seven years with Chicago, one with the New York Giants and three with the Phoenix Cardinals.
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