“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.”

Sylvia Mackey says, "Liz is a person whom I call The Phenomenal Woman. She not only works in various political leadership positions, she is an ardent advocate for retired NFL players and their families."

So far, Liz Nicholson, a Democratic fundraiser, has filed paperwork to run in Steele’s district. Fellow commissioner Larry Rogers, who defeated a Kaegi-backed challenger last year, said he might run to unseat Kaegi next year, or help fund a candidate to challenge him.