Junior Seau committed suicide nearly eight months ago via self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. Now, reports composed by three independent neurologists have confirmed that Seau – the 20 year NFL veteran linebacker and long-time San Diego Charger – suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or “CTE.” As described by an ESPN report, this condition is a “progressive disease associated with repeated head trauma.” CTE has only recently been identified as a potential side effect of playing professional football, a game where players often experience repeated acute blows to the head throughout the course of their careers.
Commenting on the report to ABC News and ESPN, Seau’s ex-wife Gina stated “[I] think it’s important for everyone to know that Junior did indeed suffer from CTE. It’s important that we take steps to help these players. We certainly don’t want to see anything like this happen again to any of our athletes.”
In response to the findings, the NFL made a public statement affirming its commitment to safeguarding the health and mental well-being of its players, pointing out that teams throughout the league have committed $30+ million dollars to scientific research on CTE and related issues.
Junior Seau Suffered from Traumatic Brain Disease Known as CTE