SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) – Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis called the latest medical report on brain injuries involving former football players “alarming,” and said it’s something NFL players are talking about.
But the 12-year NFL veteran quickly added it won’t keep him – or his two young boys – from playing football.
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a report Tuesday that found chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, was diagnosed in 177 former players, or nearly 90 percent of brains studied. CTE, a debilitating brain disease that can cause a range of symptoms including memory loss, was found in the brains of 110 of 111 former NFL players; 48 of 53 college players; and nine of 14 semi-professional players.
“I would say that is something we are paying really close attention to as players,” said Davis, one of the hardest hitters in the league and a key to Carolina’s defense. “I would be lying to you If I didn’t say that I didn’t get nervous seeing that stat. That’s an alarming stat.”
Despite the risks , the former All-Pro linebacker and Walter Payton Man of the Year still wants to keep playing. In fact, the 34-year-old said Wednesday he is seeking a contract extension from the Panthers in hopes of playing a “few more years.”