If you're smart when you're starting out, you're aware that hitting your head against people is not the best thing for your body,” said Chris Cooley, tight end and 2-time Pro Bowler with the Washington Redskins (Do No Harm, 2). Over the years, research has gathered extensive data on the mental and physical illnesses of retired NFL football players. It has been proven that players who accumulate numerous concussions are at higher risk of health problems after their football career than those who have suffered fewer concussions. This data is proven by various studies that have worried many families of retired NFL football players. The examples of deaths resulting from past concussions are astonishing, and statistics that show high risks of possible problems can prove why they may have died. Countless retired players are now frightened by the potential risk of destructive health problems. Head injuries can lead to brain disorders and mental health problems. One in three former NFL players have suffered five or more concussions and three in four still suffer symptoms today (Jenkins and Maese, 6). One study shows that NFL football players who suffered three or more concussions are five times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, a condition linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (Hadhazy, 1). NFL football players surveyed who had suffered three or more concussions were three times more likely to develop clinical depression than other players who had not suffered a concussion (Hadhazy, 1). Nine out of 10 former NFL players reported suffering from concussions during their career, six out of 10 players reported having three or more concussions, and two out of three former players with a concussion reported that they...... middle of paper... ...tail?vid=5&sid=52088eec-53a7-4604-8077-caffe4ac7789%40sessionmgr112&nid=122&bdata=JnNpdGU9c3JjLWxpdmu%3d#db=nfh&AN=32U3171806569CB3>Corwin, Tom. “The football clinic aims to help parents and players prevent concussions. » Augusta Chronicle, The (GA) February 25, 2014: Newspaper source. Internet. April 4, 2014Melissa, Block. "Sidelined by brain injury, ex-NFL player faces 'despair'." All Things Considered (NPR) (2014): newspaper source. Internet. April 4, 2014.Emmert, Mark. “Concussions put football at a crossroads. » Portland Press Herald (ME) April 6, 2014: Newspaper source. Internet. April 7 2014.