Top Three NFL Hall of Fame Inductees Show How Concussions Affect Life After Football

A Yahoo! Sports article, 75 NFL retirees sue over concussions, reports that 75 retired NFL players are suing the league over claims that the dangers of concussions were not disclosed to the players. The players state the the NFL knew about the dangers but failed to notify them. Retired players such as Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and the late Mike Webster demonstrate that concussions are a serious threat to a player's health, long after they leave the playing field.

Terry Bradshaw treated for short-term memory loss

Bradshaw is a two-time Super Bowl MVP and Football Hall of Fame inductee. He was the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played for 14 seasons. Terry Bradshaw is a football analyst for FOX broadcasting.

Terry is speaking out about the long-term effects of concussions. In a recent Fox News Interview, Bradshaw states he can remember having six concussions that resulted in loss of consciousness. The result of multiple concussions led him to seek treatment at the Amen Clinic for short-term memory loss.

Howie Long is "Fired-Up" about player injuries

Long is a football analyst and Football Hall of Fame inductee. He was a defensive end for the Oakland Raiders--currently the Los Angeles Raiders where he played for 13 seasons, from 1981 through 1993. In a NFL on Fox Fired-Up segment, Howie states over 900 players were injured last season. He has suffered multiple injuries, including concussions, during his time as an NFL player. Howie Long describes the playing field as a battlefield where "bone crushing" injuries occur.

Concussions contributed Mike Webster's death

"Iron" Mike Webster was a four-time Super Bowl Champion and one of the best defensive lineman to play the game. He died at age 50--on Sept. 24, 2002--five years after being inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Doctors say that multiple concussions contributed to his death--citing damage to the frontal lobe caused by football injuries. Webster played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1974 through 1988. The final two seasons of his career were played with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Concussions are an inherent risk to contact sports. Helmets and other safety gear do not protect the players completely. Did the NFL do everything it could to protect the players? It is up to the courts to decide.