You continue to represent the game the same way you played it, 100% class and a team player through and through. We need more of our NFL brothers propping each other up as we get on in the years. I’ll hit 51 tomorrow having survived 9 brain surgeries to date from developing hydrocephalus my final season with the 49ers in ’81.

It’s becoming harder and harder for me to focus on even the simplest and most mundane tasks, much less be involved in 5 separate business ventures just to make ends meet. I am totally committed to doing all I can to prevent anyone from traveling the trail I’ve been on the last 28 years through multiple comas, seizures, memory loss, anger management issues, ruined relationships, you name it.

Men, it’s time we took care of ourselves and each other. Get down to The Amen Clinic, if not for yourself, for your families. It has taken me this long to realize that it’s me with the problem, not “my wife and kids aren’t tough enough to handle it.”

Despite what was pounded in our heads for years, sometimes you can’t just “TOUGH IT OUT.”

George Visger
San Francisco ’80 & ’81

Look at the helmets that we had in the 60′s and the use of the head slap, and the rules of not using your hands to push off or deflect blows to your head. We were coached to stick our heads in the middle of an opponent’s chest and drive. Our heads were the main force behind all blocks and tackles. How many times did a coach say to you, ” Put your head in there and keep your neck bulled” ? If you ducked or put your head to the side you were called certain not-nice-names.

Oh well. We were just bodies to get people to fill seats for the owners.

Thanks for your time,
Larry Kaminski
Denver Broncos
1966 -1973

Thank you for having the courage and leadership to speak up on this issue!

It is my hope that NFL retired players will contact Dr. Willeumier at 1 (949) 266-3703 and make an appointment for a brain examination. Dr. Amen is providing this most generous gift at no cost to retired players.

This is something ALL retired players should take advantage of. Also, this historical study is being conducted by a world-class doctor who has over 52,000 brain scans (the largest in the world). This study should be very revealing to ALL of us as to the seriousness of repeated head trauma.

Do this for your family because head injuries that go unchecked can develop into Alzheimer’s Disease or onset dementia. It is my understanding that his examination can help detect this type of illness years in advance!

Thanks again Harry!
Regards,
Dave & Heidi Pear

Bob Grant
Independent Retired Player Activist/Advocate