Former New England Patriots running back Mosi Tatupu grew moody and forgetful toward the end of his NFL career, according to his ex-wife, and now she might know why.
A brain scan done by Boston University revealed the deceased 14-year veteran most likely suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease common in football players who experience repetitive head trauma, according to The Boston Globe. His ex-wife, Linnea Garcia-Tatupu, now looks back on Tatupu’s football career with regret.
Tatupu’s son, Lofa, also played in the NFL for six seasons.
“To this day, I can’t stand the sound of the equipment hitting together,” Garcia-Tatupu told the Globe. “If I knew then what I know now, would I have encouraged Mosi’s dream? Would I have encouraged Lofa’s dream?
“I wouldn’t have. The risk is not worth the reward.”
Tatupu spent all but one season of his career with the Patriots, rushing for 2,415 yards on 612 carries. He died in 2010 at the age of 54.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@SInow
