Davis: “We don’t know what the future holds”
CANTON, OHIO» Terrell Davis isn’t immune to the fear that so many other current and former football players experience now. With greater awareness of concussions and head injuries, and with more studies on the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the brains of deceased players, Davis is concerned.
But he’s also thankful.
Hours before receiving his gold jacket Friday, Davis, the Broncos’ all-time leading rusher and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017, reflected on his seven years in the league and a moment that all but solidified his place in the Hall.
Jan. 25, 1998. Super Bowl XXXII. Playing in his hometown of San Diego, Davis carried the Broncos to their first Super Bowl title in a 31-24 win over the Green Bay Packers. He was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 157 yards and a record three touchdowns — with a migraine.
Shortly after walking to the sideline and telling coach Mike Shanahan he couldn’t see, Davis trotted back onto the field to serve as a decoy.
“I think about that moment a lot because if they had the rules in place then, I don’t go back into that game,” Davis said. “And that changes a lot. Am I here, at this podium? Thank God it didn’t happen like that.”
But those rules — the NFL’S concussion policy and the rule changes over the years to im- prove player safety — are what give Davis peace of mind in allowing his kids to play football.
A recent study by Boston University found CTE in 110 of 111 brains of deceased players examined. Head injuries have prompted multiple players in their prime to leave the game early. Head injuries have left many former players with symptoms that include headaches, anxiety, depression and confusion.
“I can’t lie, we’re all scared,” Davis said. “We’re concerned because we don’t know what the future holds. When I’m at home and I do something, if I forget something I have to stop to think, ‘Is this because I’m getting older or I’m just not using my brain, or is this an effect of playing football?’ I don’t know that.
“Yeah, I’m scared, so I try to stay as active as possible, keep my mind as sharp as possible. But I also know the game has gone through great lengths to change, from Pop Warner to the pros. People ask me the question, would you let your kids play? Yeah, I would. Now, 10 years ago I may have said something different. But now, the way they’re teaching kids to tackle, the fact that they identify concussions a lot faster, they sit you out a couple plays, you’re not going to practice as long. All that stuff is helping the game of football. But, yes, I’m concerned.”