Former NFL player Ben Utecht is using his new book as a platform to discuss the potential long-term effects of brain injuries in football.
The former Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals tight end wasn’t a household name. In six NFL seasons, Utecht made 87 catches and scored just three touchdowns. His pro career was, for the most part, unremarkable. He was rarely healthy, suffering five concussions in his career and retired before he was 30 years old. But Utecht is using that experience to help bring concussion-related injuries to light.
Utecht’s new book, Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away, co-written with Mark Tabb, discusses the effects of his countless blows to the head and the lifestyle changes he had to make because of it. In a New York Times profile by Ken Belson, Utecht talks about not remembering being a groomsman at a friends’ wedding. In another part of the feature, he says he has no memory of the ceremony where he received his Super Bowl ring with the Colts.
After suffering concussions, former @Colts & @Bengals @BenUtecht decided to prioritize brain health. Read more here: https://t.co/i7kigscw0f pic.twitter.com/YBPNA2rdcA
— Brain Trauma Foun. (@brain_trauma) October 17, 2016
Naturally, this has led to a fear that Utecht has the degenerative brain disease C.T.E. (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).
“There’s a chance I won’t have it, won’t have C.T.E.,” Utecht said. “There’s so many possibilities, so we just pray every day that I don’t have it, but it doesn’t mean the fear isn’t real and the cause isn’t important.”
Utecht’s story has come under fire, with some saying he’s using the NFL’s concussion issues to benefit himself financially. He received a six-figure deal for the book. But as the Times notes, Utecht has delivered pro bono speeches on behalf of the American Brain Foundation.
The criticism won’t be easy to deflect, but if Utecht’s book can help any current or former player deal with concussion-related issues, or make younger people consider the possible risks of playing football, then it’s well worth it. Writing an entire book can provide key details and insight that, for example, an online article or feature on a site like The Players’ Tribune can’t. The NFL could use more advocates on behalf of long-term brain health. Utecht’s book, regardless of perceived intentions, is a great step towards learning to discuss those issues.
