Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) February 16, 2023 – This is the story of a well-known football player, Greg Clark, whose football career ended in 2001. He and his family had a full life to live and lots to plan for in anticipation of their future. Clark was 49 when he took his own life via a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 2021.

Boston University researchers found signs of Stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). For years, Clark had hidden what he was experiencing from his family. Even though he retired from football before he turned 30, the disease did not take time off or go away. It progressed and spread into the part of the brain responsible for controlling memory and learning.

Although Clark tried many of the modalities and medications available, they did not work well enough to bring him peace. CTE tends to get worse as a person ages. Clark had played the game he loved for 15 years, and while there were no indications of concussions, it can be the mild hits that happen regularly on the field and over time that trigger CTE.

Over time, Clark’s daily living stresses, and an accident sent him into a spiral from which he never recovered. He began demonstrating memory lapses, anxiety, depression, emotional distance, isolation, and irritability. 

Those with CTE may look fine, but they have great challenges to face every day. They face silent struggles that no one may notice, but there are subtle changes. CTE or TBI is not a unique diagnosis any longer. It has become far too common and usually results in tragedy for all those involved.

Even though the League is making changes in the rules and has beefed up player safety, the risk of sustaining head injuries remains. It’s a part of the game. “Perhaps the most pertinent question here is if the game should be played at all,” indicated Brooks Schuelke, an Austin traumatic brain injury attorney. “Most fans and players would likely say it should continue, but, at what cost in the long run?”

“If you have been diagnosed with TBI as a result of playing sports, talk to me. There are a variety of things we can explore to get you the financial help you need to deal with the issues you may face,” Schuelke added.