Detroit Lions' Emmett Cleary to donate brain for CTE and concussion research
Wednesday 27 December 2017 21:13, UK
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Emmett Cleary has pledged to donate his brain to help research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and concussions.
When Cleary dies, his brain will be donated to the Concussion Legacy Foundation to give them the chance to examine it for traces of CTE, the degenerative brain disorder that has been found in the brains of some deceased NFL players.
Three studies by Boston University this year included tests on 111 brains of deceased former NFL players that showed evidence of CTE in all but one.
"Anyone involved with the game should be aware and proactive about research and the long-term well-being of the players," Cleary said in a statement on the Legacy Foundation website.
"Why wouldn't I pledge to donate my brain?
"Everyone in football should be supportive of this research.
"You have responsibility to your team-mates, other players in the league, and the next generation of football players to support the research."
Cleary, 27, joins Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Eric Winston as active NFL players to have donated their brains to research this year.
