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http://news.sky.com/story/1438462/nfl-champions-to-donate-brains-to-science
NFL Champions To Donate Brains To Science
Sidney Rice and Steve Weatherford want to help brain disease research, especially on the debilitating effects of concussion.
By Sky News US Team
Sidney Rice (L), helped by Steve Weatherford, signs up for brain donation
New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford and former National Football League receiver Sidney Rice have announced they will donate their brains to medical research after their deaths.
The two NFL champions want to help brain disease research, especially on the debilitating effects of concussion.
Rice estimated he had incurred between 15 and 20 concussions since starting to play football at the age of eight.
"I had my fair share of fun in the NFL," said Rice, a Super Bowl-winning receiver with the Seattle Seahawks last year.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't educated enough on (what) concussions can lead to. The brain studies by the doctors will be huge to help, maybe prevent."
Junior Seau committed suicide in 2012
The two stars hope their commitment might mobilise others to do the same.
"It's helpful to get a professional athlete behind something," said Weatherford.
"This is something that has affected Sidney and affected me in the form of one of my dear friends, Junior Seau, committing suicide."
Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker, died after shooting himself in the chest in 2012 at the age of 43.
A study of Seau's brain revealed that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a debilitating brain condition caused by repeated jolts to the head that can lead to aggression and dementia.
High incidence of degenerative brain disease in former players led thousands of NFL alumni to press for and win a settlement with the league over future health costs that could end up costing $1bn.
"A lot of my teammates and a lot of close friends have dealt with concussions and the depression that comes with that," said Weatherford.
"There's a lot of issues that stem from brain injuries and it's not just professional athletes. This affects everybody."
Both Rice and Weatherford said they thought the NFL had taken positive steps to address the dangers of repetitive blows to the head but that more needed to be done.
NFL Champions To Donate Brains To Science
Sidney Rice and Steve Weatherford want to help brain disease research, especially on the debilitating effects of concussion.
By Sky News US Team
Sidney Rice (L), helped by Steve Weatherford, signs up for brain donation
New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford and former National Football League receiver Sidney Rice have announced they will donate their brains to medical research after their deaths.
The two NFL champions want to help brain disease research, especially on the debilitating effects of concussion.
Rice estimated he had incurred between 15 and 20 concussions since starting to play football at the age of eight.
"I had my fair share of fun in the NFL," said Rice, a Super Bowl-winning receiver with the Seattle Seahawks last year.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't educated enough on (what) concussions can lead to. The brain studies by the doctors will be huge to help, maybe prevent."
Junior Seau committed suicide in 2012
The two stars hope their commitment might mobilise others to do the same.
"It's helpful to get a professional athlete behind something," said Weatherford.
"This is something that has affected Sidney and affected me in the form of one of my dear friends, Junior Seau, committing suicide."
Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker, died after shooting himself in the chest in 2012 at the age of 43.
A study of Seau's brain revealed that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a debilitating brain condition caused by repeated jolts to the head that can lead to aggression and dementia.
High incidence of degenerative brain disease in former players led thousands of NFL alumni to press for and win a settlement with the league over future health costs that could end up costing $1bn.
"A lot of my teammates and a lot of close friends have dealt with concussions and the depression that comes with that," said Weatherford.
"There's a lot of issues that stem from brain injuries and it's not just professional athletes. This affects everybody."
Both Rice and Weatherford said they thought the NFL had taken positive steps to address the dangers of repetitive blows to the head but that more needed to be done.
