NFL Stars Donate Brains to Science

Scientists focus on effect of repeat injuries

(NEWSER) - Celebrated Bears safety Dave Duerson killed himself this week at age 50, and his family is donating his brain to science to see whether his suicide may have been related to concussions and brain injuries received as a player. "He had informed (his family) at some point that he wanted his brain to be studied so people could learn more about the effect of brain trauma and so kids could play the game more safely in the future," a co-director of the Boston University School of Medicine tells the Chicago Tribune. More»

Indy handles the Ravens, and New Orleans routs Arizona

(AP) - The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints are moving on in the playoffs. Peyton Manning led Indy to a methodical 20-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens and will play the winner of tomorrow's Jets-Chargers game for the AFC title. New Orleans, meanwhile, got big performances from Reggie Bush and Drew Brees and routed Arizona 45-14. The Saints will host the NFC title game for the first time in franchise history, playing the winner of the Cowboys-Vikings matchup. More»

(NEWSER) - When Willis McGahee was wheeled off the field during the AFC championship game, “it was impossible not to fear the worst,” writes Wendy MacLeod in the Washington Post. And when she tried to find his status online, she turned up a YouTube video entitled, “McGahee Gets ‘Jacked Up’ … Hardest Hit Ever!” It’s hard not to conclude that “we've become like the jaded spectators who watched the gladiators in ancient Rome.” More»

(NEWSER) - A sixth former NFL player has been diagnosed posthumously with a rare brain disease, lending credence to claims that concussions sustained playing football can have a cumulative, even deadly, effect, the Tampa Tribune reports. Tom McHale, who played for the Buccaneers, died from an overdose of painkillers and cocaine in May. But doctors think his poor judgment could have been the result of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly associated with boxers. More»

Star receiver has rare visual skills and a souped-up onboard computer for analysis

(NEWSER) - More than height, speed, or jumping ability, highly developed eyesight and an extraordinary internal computer make Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald a top-tier NFL receiver, a scientist tells the Wall Street Journal. Fitzgerald’s optometrist grandfather put him through drills to improve his “visual dominance,” enabling him to take a snapshot of the ball in flight despite distractions; Fitzgerald’s “predictive control” helps him meet the ball at the perfect spot for a catch. More»