A growing number of professional athletes are pledging to donate their brains for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Professional athletes are at high risk of developing CTE, a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated concussions. CTE can cause early-onset dementia, mental health issues, cognitive problems and even suicide.

However, researchers can only study CTE posthumously. To help the medical community better understand CTE, athletes from various sports have volunteered to donate their brains.

Abby Wambach and Brandi Chastain, both former soccer players, have pledged to donate their brains to CTE research. They are joined by Megan Rapinoe, a current soccer player for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Soccer players frequently attempt to ‘head the ball’ and end up colliding with one another, which can increase the chances of suffering concussions. The sport has been identified by the American Journal of Sports Medicine as a main cause of sports-related injuries among women.

Football is the sport most commonly associated with CTE by the public, so unsurprisingly, former players have pledged to donate their brains. Sean Morey, a former NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals, has pledged to donate his brain. He is joined by former NFL players Eric Winston, Matt Birk, Lofa Tatupu, George Atkinson, George Buehler and Art Thoms.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., the son of former NASCAR racing legend Dale Earnhardt, will also donate his brain to CTE research.

Why Is CTE Research Important?

CTE was only discovered 14 years ago, and the medical community has much more to learn about the condition. Although CTE is far more common in older athletes, younger athletes may also be at risk. Former high school football player Michael Keck died at 25 years old, and a posthumous examination of his brain found evidence of CTE.

Although it will be many years or even decades until the brains of these professional athletes are examined, their pledge may one day help future sports stars avoid CTE. Their pledge can also help younger athletes understand the risks associated with contact sports.

The Colorado brain injury attorneys at Metier Law Firm are dedicated to helping accident victims who have been injured by the negligent actions of others.