[Mark in Idaho]

What is the common denominator between these sports greats?

NFL players Defensive Back Junior Seau, Safety Ray Easterling, Defensive Back Safety Dave Duerson,

The NHL's Tough guy Wade Belak, Enforcer Derek Boogaard, Forward and fighter Derek Boogaard

They were all hard hitting and often got hit hard and they all died before their time in the recent past.

The NFL players hit their opposing player targets hard, often using their helmets for additional effort.

The NHL players were known for hard play and fighting.

They also had a history of depression and even dementia. Most were diagnosed with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) where their brain has shrunk (atrophied) as a result of repeated concussions and sub-concussions.

These are just the tip of the iceberg of athletes who have had their lives changed as the result of concussions and sub-concussive impacts.

When some of us try to convince others of the need to end their contact sport obsessions, this is the reason. As we live with the struggles of PCS, it is hard to explain how frustrating our lives can be, especially during the down parts of the PCS roller coaster ride.

I don't mean this to be morbid but when so many end their own lives, it shows the depth of their personal struggles.