Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Oz View Post
No true changes can be made. It's believed that a lot of CTD is not the result of concussions but the cumulative effect of non-traumatic plays that involve collisions, especially on the line of scrimmage. Objects in motion tend to remain in motion, especially brains suspended in fluid. No helmet can prevent brain injuries caused by 300 pound men moving forward with great speed until they meet resistance and suddenly stop.

Never thought about it before but these guys are the modern equivalent of gladiators. Nobody is dying on the field but their life expectancy is reduced significantly by how long they play.
I agree with the gladiator reference and although they may not be dying on the field, I think this is more about the quality of life. It seems pretty common that many have felt death was preferable...whether they took those feelings to the final conclusion or not.