Hall-of-Fame Tight End John Mackey not only revolutionized his position, but was the poster boy for early-onset dementia in veteran players. Doctors found Mackey with frontal temporal dementia in 2000, the same year that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told ESPN he would push oft-concussed quarterback Troy Aikman when needed in crucial games because “there is no evidence of any long-term, lasting impact” from head trauma in the N.F.L. He couldn't have been more wrong. This New York Times article by Alan Schwarz points out the problems and the legacy left by John Mackey. A great piece of writing.
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