Head trauma has brought another NFL player back into the spotlight. This time it's Mark Duper, a three-time Pro Bowl performer who was diagnosed with football's growing health problem.
Duper, 54, beat kidney cancer two years ago. Earlier this month the former Miami Dolphins star had two days of testing at UCLA. Results: He has signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy — a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes.
It was a bad week for pro football. On Wednesday, Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett and Joe DeLamielleure and former All-Pro defensive lineman Leonard Marshall were reported to have the condition.
While CTE isn't life-threatening it does lead to dementia and depression. Dorsett recently admitted to having suicidal thoughts.
"The biggest thing is, if we can diagnose CTE, I think they're better off knowing they have it," neurosurgeon Dr. Julian Bailes told CBSSports.com. "Most of them don't die from CTE. Many die from suicide. If you can find out you have it, you can manage the symptoms. Getting a good psychiatrist and good professional care can give you insight and help you in how to treat depression."
Duper told the site he doesn't regret playing football. But while he begins a treatment regime he also hopes his plight will raise awareness of CTE and help lead to preventive measures.