Carson Addresses House Forum On Traumatic Brain Injuries

Harry Carson joined other former players as well as brain-injury researchers to address a forum organized by House Democrats who are exploring what can and should to make the game of Football safer for players on all levels.

“Every parent should be informed. They should be informed as to what risks they are subjecting their kids to,” said Carson, “Understand that your child could be subject to a neurological injury that could affect them for the rest of their lives.”

“There’s a physical risk that you assume when you play. I think all of us understood the physical risk. But when we played…there was no information on the neurological risk.”

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Harry Receives Honorary Doctorate From Fairleigh Dickinson

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Harry Carson Receives Honorary Doctorate – Photo Credit William Hauser

Harry Carson, New York Giants Hall Of Famer and Superbowl champion delivered the FDU 2015 commencement address and was given an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

“Don’t be afraid to strive for something out of your reach,” said Carson

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League of Denial: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis

League of Denial: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis

The National Football League, a multibillion-dollar commercial juggernaut, presides over America’s indisputable national pastime. But the NFL is under assault: thousands of former players have claimed the league tried to cover up how football inflicted long-term brain injuries on many players. What did the NFL know, and when did it know it? In a special two-hour investigation, FRONTLINE reveals the hidden story of the NFL and brain injuries.

Ray Easterling – At Peace

On March 18th of 2011 I received an email from former Atlanta Falcon Safety Ray Easterling. Unfortunately Ray passed away last week and subsequently authorities have determined that Ray’s death has been considered a suicide. His email was somewhat personal but I want to share edited parts of the email to readers. I am truly sadden that yet another former player has felt a need to end his pain by taking his own life! My sincerest condolences to the Easterling Family!

One of the reasons why I am sharing this private email is to allow the public especially those who will inevitably say something ignorant like “well these guys knew what they were getting into when they played” to get a glimpse of what they may never have an opportunity to see. To those who continue to think that football players of years ago knew what would happen or to assume they were well compensated for their play and pain, I beg to differ! Players had no clue that getting dinged, getting knock silly or getting your bell rung with concussions had lingering long lasting and even fatal consequences. We are all watching from box seats on the 50 yard line with a view the lingering effects of physical (knees, hips, back, shoulders and ankles) and neurological (the brain) pain players are effected with and how their pain now is handled individually.

Dear Harry,

My name is Ray Easterling. I played from 1972-1980 as a safety for the Atlanta Falcons!

I have always been regarded as a “Hitter”: just recently I was talking with Tommy Nobis on the phone and he said, “Whenever your name comes up, I either think or say,”Ray was one of those special players who was bring it as hard in a losing cause, as he would in a close game”. Nice compliment from a great football player, who I played beside a number of years.

I understand you are on the advisory board of Gridiron Greats and wonder if you would be an advocate for me. I am experiencing an accelerating loss of nerve function in both hands-conclusive from M.R.I., E.M.G., and other tests. Recently, I had an initial evaluation by one of the foremost brain-psychiatrist, in the U.S.A.- my wife accompanied me. He wants to promptly do another M.R.I., Pet scan, Sleep evaluation, other tests because the early tests he performed indicated a possible onset of Alzheimer’s, in light of all the concussions, I played with over 9 years-forget about practice which was worse than a game.

Harry, I have wondered if my business acumen has been askew for several years, due to the number of concussions I played with in games. You remember the code-If you could run, you played! I’ve had two hip replacements), 5 knee operations, another elbow operation, right shoulder re-construction, neck pain and bone spurs. Recently, I have lost the ability to endure even the slightest cold in my hands, and unable to button my shirt. My short term memory is giving me issues and after this initial evaluation my wife is scared to death. The Dr. wants to immediately perform tests, as well as medication, in case his postulation of early onset of mental issues due to brain trauma. I took early retirement and was unaware that I gave up my right to disability.

I was moved by your letter about Dave (Duerson). Harry, even if my situation is revealed to be a not so good prognosis, I am not afraid but I am concerned about my wife. My God is a mighty God and He has hold of me tight-sometimes He provides in all different ways and manners, because He will share His Glory with no man and all praise is His. I do not know what is going to happen but this I do know-I know the one, Who does!

Regards,

Ray Easterling

Regarding Congress

I would like to thank all the people I’ve come in contact with either in person or by way of the Internet over the past 2 months who have encouraged, begged or cheered me on to consider running for Congress later this year. To have folks from all walks of life (Young People and Old, Blacks, Whites, Latino, Asian, Republicans, Democrats, Independent and even Tea Party Supporters) give me their unwavering support was heartwarming and humbling. With so much encouragement I wanted to give the thought of running very serious consideration.

After several weeks of serious self-assessment and reflection I have decided not to seek any political office.

I consider myself extraordinarily blessed to have the life I live with boundless opportunities to make a difference in the lives of so many other people. For many of those I have come in contact with mutual friendships have developed. Those who have encouraged me to seek office never asked of my political affiliation, they did so because they know my heart. The general consensus of those leading the cheers was “we need good people in Washington”! As much as I understood that wish by others and wanted to fulfill it, I wrestled with how my own life would change. With the recent passing of several family members including my brother who was only 4 years older than me I could not summon the passion needed to attack this endeavor and give it 150% as I did to become a Hall of Fame athlete.

For those who personally know me I promise that while I am not seeking a political office I will continue to “Represent, Advocate and Inspire” those who feel they don’t have a voice.

Harry Carson