New web series explores links between concussions and brain damage in former football players

I’ve always loved watching pro football. I grew up in Miami, and came of age when the Dolphins had their perfect season in 1972, winning the Super Bowl that year and the next year as well. One of my fondest memories as a kid was going to Super Bowl 10, which was played in Miami. The Dolphins weren’t in that one, but the Pittsburgh Steelers were. My Cousin Bobby, who lived in Pittsburgh, got tickets for me and my grandfather. Memories like this stay with a kid forever.

I still love watching pro football. But, as stories about the pervasiveness of concussions and their lasting impact become more prevalent, I’ll admit that I’m in a bit of a moral quandary. For far too long, the NFL played down the seriousness of concussions. Now, as more and more players come forward with horror stories about mood swings and addictions, the NFL can’t look away any more. This new GQ web series tells the stories of a few of these former players, and the measures being taken to help them. Personally, I think the NFL needs to do even more. But at least it’s a step in the right direction.