Junior Seau, a former NFL linebacker, tragically took his own life this spring due to a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, as announced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Thursday. The celebrated athlete died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
The findings indicated evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition often associated with athletes who have experienced multiple head injuries. Seau is the latest and most notable athlete connected to this disorder, which has gained attention in recent years as numerous studies highlight the potential long-term cognitive effects of head injuries sustained during sports.
“The findings observed in Mr. Seau’s brain are consistent with those reported in autopsies of individuals exposed to repetitive head trauma,” stated the NIH, “including both professional and amateur athletes in contact sports, individuals with multiple concussions, and veterans subjected to blast injuries and other forms of trauma.”
Since CTE was first identified in the brain of former Eagles defensive back Andre Waters after his suicide in 2006, it has been detected in nearly every former player’s brain examined posthumously, as CTE can only be diagnosed after death.
Family-owned and proudly serving the Black River Falls area since 1973. Our convenience store, bar, and restaurant within the same building are unique to the area. We accommodate our smokers with a separate facility. We are conveniently located within two miles of the interstate at the corners of Highway 12 and 27. We are your one-stop destination for a restaurant/bar and convenience store.