Greg Johnson was recently diagnosed posthumously with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease believed to be caused by repeated head injuries. Johnson, who played 12 seasons in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 48.
The diagnosis of CTE in Johnson's case sheds light on the long-term consequences of head injuries in contact sports such as hockey. CTE has been linked to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, aggression, and depression, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
It's a brain disorder that can be caused in part by repeated injuries to the head.
Johnson, from Thunder Bay, took his own life five years ago this week at his Detroit-area home.
His widow and daughters issued a news release Wednesday through the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a charity that supports athletes and others affected by concussions and CTE.
Johnson's family said concussions suffered during his playing years were a factor in his decision to retire.
"He knew his hockey career had a profound impact on his brain," Kristin Johnson said.
According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a study in 2019 found that a diagnosed concussion doubles the risk of suicide. To date, there has been no formal study linking CTE or TBI (traumatic brain injuries) with suicide.
Johnson, never used as an enforcer, was known for his work ethic as a two-way forward, and was respected as a soft-spoken, quiet leader.
Nashville Predators, and also played for three other NHL teams as well as for Team Canada, with which he won a silver medal at the 1994 Olympics.
According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, Dr. McKee was unable to definitively determine the stage that his CTE had reached at the time of death.
In early-stage cases, it is unclear if symptoms are connected to CTE, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or other factors.
While the NFL admitted in 2016 that a link exists between repeated brain trauma and long-term neurological disorders, the NHL has rejected the connection.
Gary Bettman told a Canadian parliamentary committee studying concussions in sports that no such association has been established.
“Other than some anecdotal evidence, there has not been that conclusive link… there has not been conclusive determinations,” Bettman testified.
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