After former Steelers offensive lineman Carlton Haselrig died last month, his family followed through on his wishes to donate his brain to Boston University for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) research.
Work is being conducted to diagnose CTE through blood tests or imaging; however, the only way to currently detect it is after death.
Boston University has described CTE as 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.”
“Life starts with family. Carlton was big on family, he respected everyone, inspired his loved ones, and ensured to always support those he encountered,” his family said in a statement. “As his family, we have promised to do our part and uphold the values Carlton has built, starting by executing his desire to donate his brain for CTE research.”
Before joining the Steelers, Haselrig was a six-time national champion heavyweight wrestler at the Pittsburgh-Johnstown.
According to a 2017 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, CTE has been found in 110 of 111 former NFL players who donated their brains for research.
Former Steelers, Hall of Fame center Mike Webster and offensive tackle Justin Strzelczyk, were both found diagnosed with CTE after their deaths. Since Webster’s tragic death in 2002, other high-profile players — including Junior Seau, Frank Gifford, and Kenny Stabler — were diagnosed with CTE postmortem.
In 2017, then-Steelers cornerback Artie Burns said he believes he has CTE.
I definitely know I have it. I’m going to [test positive for] CTE. I don’t need a test. Is it going to tell me how much I have? We play a physical sport, man. Humans are not made to run into each other.
The league is continuously working to make pro football a safer game through protocols, rule changes and improved helmets.
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