Impact of the Game
Several players have had problems after their playing career, whether it is physical or mental. One such case being former Cleveland Brown Gerry Sullivan, who served as an offensive lineman from 1974-1981.
Gerry’s partner Liz Nicholson, an advocate for the Concussion Legacy Foundation, reflected on when she noticed signs of Sullivan’s condition.
“When I look back to first meeting Gerry in 1997, there were definitely signs,” Nicholson said. “I was probably in denial and overlooked the behavior, but knowing what I know now about CTE, it was a classic manifestation.”
These manifestations she describes as “hair-trigger” rage, addictions and paranoia.
“He’d go from calm and somewhat light-hearted—to ugly and volcanic within seconds,” Nicholson said. She explained various instances where a fork would drop, or any loud noise occurred and he would “flash” rage.
Paranoia and suspicion were very prevalent. “He’d ask me such off the wall things or become fixated on people and their intentions,” Nicholson said.