Matt Hasselbeck, known for his 17-year career in the NFL, spent time at Boston University undergoing tests to determine the impact of his numerous on-field collisions. At 50, he feels fortunate to be healthy despite the risks that many of his peers face.
Recognizing the challenges, Hasselbeck volunteered for tests aiming to advance the diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living individuals. CTE is a brain disease linked to head trauma, frequently seen in contact sports and military scenarios. Currently, it can only be diagnosed postmortem.
“They need guys like me — they need people who are feeling good to step up to the plate and volunteer,” Hasselbeck stated, acknowledging those who enabled his success on the field.
CTE’s prevalence among former players, including high-profile cases like Junior Seau and Aaron Hernandez, has brought scrutiny to the NFL. Symptoms such as memory loss and mood swings can also resemble other neurological conditions.
Michael Alosco, co-director of clinical research at Boston University CTE Center, is expanding a study with sites nationwide aiming to distinguish CTE from Alzheimer’s disease. The study needs participants who played football or have Alzheimer’s without any history of repetitive head impacts.
“We’re pushing to find the marker specific to CTE,” Alosco remarked on the study’s goals.
Nicholas Ashton, leading the research in Phoenix, emphasized the importance of increasing participation to make accurate diagnoses. Hasselbeck found the tests enlightening, undergoing mental challenges and comprehensive scans.
In addition to donating his brain to research, Hasselbeck’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to advancing knowledge. Bryan Savage, a former college linebacker, shares similar motivations, having experienced health issues potentially linked to past head trauma.
“You wonder if it’s just getting older or related to past brain trauma,” Savage shared.
The National Institutes of Health is backing the study, providing significant funding to bridge gaps in CTE research, which trails Alzheimer’s due to its recent origins.
Hasselbeck highlights that during his career, awareness and honesty regarding head injuries evolved positively among players. The shift towards safety and player wellbeing is a point of pride for him.
By engaging in the study, Hasselbeck hopes for continued enhancement of player safety in football.