Junior Seau Brain Tissue to be Studied

Per Yahoo!, Junior Seau's family has released preserved brain tissue to the National Institute of Health to be studied.

Seau, a former All-Pro NFL linebacker for the Chargers, Dolphins, and Patriots, committed suicided in his home last May. Seau's death was by far the most notable in a string of suicides from former NFL players; many of whom had been linked to multiple concussions. These concussions are believed to have played a vital role in prompting many former players to take their lives:

Seau's death echoed last year's suicide of former Chicago Bears defensive back Dave Duerson. Duerson left a note asking for his brain to be studied for signs of brain trauma. That raised anew questions about whether brain damage from repeated concussions on the field lead to long-term problems such as depression."

Although tragic, if Seau's brain tissue study shows that brain damage from concussions played a part in his suicide it could be a large leap in public awareness -- due to Seau's notoriety and popularity -- for the true dangers of concussions. However unavoidable concussions are in contact sports, such as football and lacrosse, the ability to recognize and successfully administer treatment should never go undervalued.