Death of a Legend

On May 2nd, 2012, retired San Diego Charger linebacker Junior Seau committed suicide in his Oceanside home. He had shot him self in the chest with a shotgun, which circulated discussion on why he did not shot himself in the head like how most suicide attempts with a firearm occur. Many speculated that he suffered form depression and that by shooting himself in the chest, it implied that he wanted doctors to study his brain.

A report ESPN revealed that Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is connected to long-term head trauma. Seau was one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game. It is not surprising that he had CTE considering his intensity and "big hit" nature.The report states that CTE is a disease that was found in other former football players as well. Over time, it can result in result in dementia, memory loss and depression. Junior Seau was never restricted from play as a result of a concussion, which indicates that he played through every head injury he had; and it ultimately cost him his life. He will be remembered for his tenacious play style, but we must also use him and his legacy as an example of the repercussions of repeated, untreated head trauma.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1479019-junior-seau-test-results-showing-cte-exemplify-why-nfl-concussion-rules-are-key