Former NFL cornerback Irv Cross passed away at the age of 81 back in 2021. And following his death, it’s been revealed that he suffered from the most severe type of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), even decades after his playing career ended.
The discovery and diagnosis were made by the Boston University CTE Center, which shared the news on Tuesday.
“Mr. Cross was diagnosed during life with mild cognitive impairment and was found at autopsy to have stage 4 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is the most severe type of the disease,” BC CTE Center director and neurologist Dr. Ann McKee said in a statement Tuesday.
On the second anniversary of his death, the family of former NFL player Irv Cross is graciously sharing his CTE diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/YyrJM0n4LK
— Boston University CTE Center (@bu_cte) February 28, 2023
Over the past several years, concussions and brain injuries have become a major talking point in the football world. And still, one of the best ways for doctors to study traumatic brain injuries is for deceased players to donate their brains to research. Cross did that, and the doctors are grateful.
“Through his brain donation, Mr. Cross’ legacy will be able to help increase our understanding of CTE in living contact sport athletes and others who have experienced repetitive head trauma,” McKee said in the statement.
Cross was a two-time Pro Bowl player during his career with the Rams and the Eagles.
[Boston University CTE Center]
