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Former NFL star wide receiver Vincent Jackson was found dead at just 38 years old in a Florida hotel room back in February. Jackson's brain was sent to researchers after his death, and results of the research show he was suffering from stage 2 CTE when he died. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that can only be diagnosed after death.
Per The Athletic, “Stage 2 CTE is associated with behavioral symptoms such as aggression, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, paranoia, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.” Jackson was reportedly dealing with alcoholism and other health issues.
Vincent Jackson's widow, Lindsey Jackson, released a statement on the findings:
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“Vincent dedicated so much of his life to helping others. Even in his passing, I know he would want to continue that same legacy,” said Lindsey Jackson, Vincent’s widow, in a statement. “By donating his brain to the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank, we hope to continue to see advancements in CTE research, enabling physicians to diagnose the disease in the living and ultimately find treatment options in the future.”
Vincent Jackson's family had suspected he was dealing with CTE. This is why they wanted research to be done on his brain, and they want to be able to help living people who are dealing with the disease. CTE has been an issue in football, hockey, combat sports and other sports. Another former NFL player, Phillip Adams, had CTE when he murdered six people before killing himself in April.
Jackson spent 12 seasons in the NFL. He came into the league in 2005 as a second-round pick of the San Diego Chargers. He blossomed into a star with the Chargers and then continued his excellent play with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after seven seasons in San Diego. The late wideout made three Pro Bowls.
