A new report shows that more than 40 players on the Patriots' first three championship teams have said they've experienced the symptoms of brain injuries caused by playing professional football.
According to the Boston Globe, 42 Patriots from the 2001, 2003 and 2004 teams are part of the lawsuit filed against the NFL, and its former helmet manufacturer, Riddell, over the head injuries. While the league has settled the suit — paying an estimated $1 billion [...]
A new report shows that more than 40 players on the Patriots' first three championship teams have said they've experienced the symptoms of brain injuries caused by playing professional football.
According to the Boston Globe, 42 Patriots from the 2001, 2003 and 2004 teams are part of the lawsuit filed against the NFL, and its former helmet manufacturer, Riddell, over the head injuries. While the league has settled the suit — paying an estimated $1 billion — the helmet maker did not reach a settlement. Of the players on those early title teams, only quarterback Tom Brady, kicker Adam Vinatieri and tight end Ben Watson are active players.
At 35, former cornerback Randall Gay told the Globe that his cognitive deficiencies include depression and other symptoms.
"I just want to be in a room by myself, not doing anything, not even watching TV, and I can't explain what's going on," he said in the report.
In all, 68 former Patriots defensive backs joined the lawsuit, and a total of 90 former Patriots who've played since 2000 say they're dealing with the symptoms of brain injuries.
Otis Smith told the Globe that he is coping with mood swings and other symptoms.
"If you took a bad hit and got dizzy, they called it a stinger and gave you some smelling salts and you were back on the field again," he told the Globe.
An unknown number of Patriots are among the 15,000 former NFL players who have registered for potential benefits as part of the $1 billion settlement, according to the report. So far, an estimated $284 million has been distributed to about 250 players as part of the settlement.
The report also said that while many ex-players are functional, some say they filed claims as insurance against any future problems, the report said.