Why New Data on Former NFL Players' Brains Is Important to Texas Kids

Researchers released alarming evidence this week that suggests the link between professional football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is much more common than realized.A study by Boston researchers found that 99 percent of the brains donated by families of former NFL players showed signs of this degenerative disease — all but one of the 111 studied.What's more, overall, CTE was found in 87 percent of the 202 brains that belonged to deceased men who played football at all levels. That number included three men who played in high school and 48 who played in college.Disturbing.We're as crazy about football as anyone in Texas, but this new data gives a sense of urgency to our push for more study on concussions in all sports and the long-term trauma to athletes who injure their heads. There are still big unanswered questions about the exact causes and the best ways to prevent them.  Continue reading...