Scott Stevens- Concussion Causer

After a career of successfully dealing concussions to his opponents, Scott Stevens was forced to retire after suffering post-concussion syndrome. Stevens was hit in the head by a puck during the 2003 NHL playoffs, en route to his third Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils. Scott Stevens’ impact on the NHL can simply be defined by his ability to destroy opponents through bone rattling hits (just ask Paul Kariya or Eric Lindros). To the surprise of few, Stevens originally wanted to become a football player. However, Stevens fell in love with the game of hockey which led him to becoming great NHL defensemen. Even though Stevens’ career was ended by a concussion, his impact on the game will always be for providing concussions.

During the 1999-2000 Eastern Conference Final series with the Philadelphia Flyers, Stevens would send Eric Lindros to the doctor with a levelling hit. Lindros was never the same after suffering this hit, leading to his decline. Although this hit was clean; it was a reminder to many, that any player was one hit away from being concussed at the hands of Scott Stevens (or should I say shoulder).

Controversy struck Stevens once again during the 2002-2003 Stanley Cup Finals series with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Stevens would destroy Paul Kariya with a menacing hit that would knock him out cold. However, Kariya would return and finish the game leaving Stevens unpunished for what could be viewed as a dirty hit. Even though Kariya finished the game, similar to Lindros his career was never the same after being hit by Stevens.

 

Junior Seau- Hit Hard

A team of scientists, who analyzed the brain of NFL linebacker Junior Seau, have concluded that he most likely suffered from a brain disease caused by two decades worth of hits to the head. Junior Seau was a monster middle linebacker during his NFL career, racking up 1184 tackles, as a 10 time all-pro, 12 time Pro Bowler, and named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. Seau was known as a passionate defender, dealing numerous punishing blows to his opponents on the field. Seau was the star of the San Diego Chargers defense for 13 seasons before playing for the Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots. Seau retired after the 2009 NFL season without winning the vaunted Super Bowl Ring that he so desired.

In May 2012, Seau shot himself in the chest at the age of 43, leaving his four children puzzled. Seau's family donated his brain to neuroscientists at the National Institutes for Health who are conducting ongoing research on traumatic brain injury and football players. Similar to Bob Probert, Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease caused by multiple hits to the head. One side effect of this disease is patients feeling deep depression that can lead to suicide. Unfortunately for Seau, the numerous concussions and hits the head he suffered as a warrior on the football field lead to his premature death. Junior Seau’s ex-teammate said that he suffered 1500 concussions. A case such as Seau’s raises much concussion awareness, due to the severity involved when ex athletes lives are at stake.