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Who was Terry Long?
Terry Long was an American football player who played as an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1984 to 1991. He was a four-year starter for the East Carolina Pirates in college, and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American in 1983. He was also a powerlifting champion, who lifted more than anyone in the 1983 Powerlifting World Championships. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 1984 NFL Draft, and played in 105 games, starting 89 of them.
What led to his suicide?
Long’s life after football was plagued by personal and financial troubles. He was divorced twice, had four children, and faced several lawsuits and bankruptcy filings. He also suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, which can lead to depression, dementia, and suicidal thoughts. He attempted suicide twice before his final act, once by consuming rat poison, and once by driving his car into a tree.
How did he die?
On June 7, 2005, Long was found dead in his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He had committed suicide by drinking antifreeze, a toxic substance that causes kidney failure, brain damage, and death. A revised death certificate showed that his death was not a direct result of his football-related injuries, but rather a deliberate act of self-harm. He was 45 years old.
What was the impact of his death?
Long’s death shocked and saddened the football community, especially his former teammates and coaches. He was remembered as a hard-working, loyal, and funny player, who always gave his best on the field. His death also raised awareness about the dangers of CTE, and the need for better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease. His brain was donated to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University, where it was confirmed that he had CTE. His death also prompted the NFL to change its policy on gambling sponsorships, as Long had been involved in a sports betting scheme that led to his suspension in 1991.
Conclusion
Terry Long was a talented and successful football player, who had a promising career and a bright future. However, his life after football was marred by difficulties and despair, which ultimately drove him to end his life in a tragic way. His death was a loss for his family, friends, and fans, and a wake-up call for the football world to address the issue of CTE and its devastating effects. Terry Long’s cause of death was antifreeze, but his real cause of death was CTE.
