The brain of Conord Dobler is being donated to researchers studying the link between traumatic brain injury and CTE. Conrad Dobler’s family has agreed to donate his brain to CTE research.
Dobler, a three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who played in the NFL from 1972 to 1981, died Monday in Pueblo, Colorado, at the age of 72. His son, Stephen, and daughter, Holli, have stated that no effort would be made to determine a cause of death until his brain is investigated at Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center.
Dobler’s spine and other tissue will be donated to the program at Boston University, along with his brain.
“He was very proactive in really wanting to donate his brain for future players to get ahead,’’ Stephen Dobler said, “And he was very strong in believing that he probably has CTE.’
Holli Dobler stated that her father has suffered from memory loss, decision-making, and day-to-day activity for the past five years.
“It was degenerative,’’ she said. “It was progressively getting worse.’’
CTE is a degenerative brain disease that can only be identified after death
According to Stephen and Holli Dobler, the results of Dobler’s brain study would be revealed in nine to twelve months.
The Boston University CTE Center reported earlier this month that it had investigated the brains of 376 former NFL players and classified 345 of them with CTE.
CTE, a degenerative brain disease that can only be identified after death, is linked to repetitive strikes to the head as well as symptoms including sadness and aggressive conduct.
Dobler admitted to battling with his memory and motivation levels in a 2016 interview with USA TODAY Sports. From 1972 through 1981, he played in the National Football League.
“I have six kids, I don’t even know their names,’’ he said during a phone interview. “It kind of pisses me off because I prided myself on having such a wonderful memory.’’
Dobler stated at the time that he had undertaken neurological testing to discover if he had Alzheimer’s or another brain disease, but the results were unclear.
Holli Dobler stated that her father struggled to regulate his emotions at times, but it was impossible to determine if this was due to his personality or the impact of football-related brain trauma associated with CTE. Conrad Dobler reveled in his reputation as a sleazy player. “They Call Me Dirty” was the title of his memoirs.
According to Holli Dobler, Dobler is a part of the NFL concussion settlement, but his case is still ongoing.
“But if you ever asked him if he could go back would he have not done it, he would say, ‘No, I still would have done it. It gave me so many opportunities and the life I got to have,’” Holli Dobler said. “He was still positive about the NFL.’’