By Jackson Melin
Photo from Liz Nicholson’s social media
In 2002, former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Webster was found to have signs of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This was discovered posthumously by neuropathologist Bennet I. Omalu and published in 2005. The story has become the inspiration for the 2015 movie “Concussion”.
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 occured 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.
Regarding any treatment plans, there were little to no solutions. “If you mean mitigate CTE, I’m sad to tell you no.” Nicholson stated. “This disease is a tricky beast”.
How has this condition affected her personally? “Gerry’s early CTE symptoms have been replaced by dementia and now Alzheimer’s. He’s been easier to manage,” Nicholson said “The rage, isolation, paranoia, depression and suicidal ideations has been replaced with serious cognitive dissonance and major short-term memory deficits.”
When mentioning player safety, the topic of helmet technology arose. “I’m actually working with SAFR sports/helmet technology,” Nicholson said. She also noted that she is helping develop a helmet that is more effective than the current Guardian Caps.
Knowing what she does now, does she still watch football or any contact sports? “Ironically I never watched it, nor do I now,” Nicholson shared. She did say however that “All the guys still watch it, including Gerry.”