Former NFL star Demaryius Thomas had Stage 2 CTE, family says

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Former NFL star Demaryius Thomas, who died last December at age 33, had CTE, his family said Tuesday.

Boston University CTE Center researchers diagnosed the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver with stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy following a brain study through the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Thomas’ family released the findings of the study.

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In this Sept. 16, 2018, file photo, Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) runs against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, in Denver. Former NFL star Demaryius Thomas, who died last December at age 33, had CTE, his family said Tuesday, July 5, 2022.  (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)

"Once I became aware of CTE and began to familiarize myself with the symptoms, I noticed that Demaryius was isolating himself and I saw other changes in him," Katina Smith, Demaryius’ mother, said in a statement. "He was just so young, and it was horrible to see him struggle. His father and I hope all families learn the risks of playing football. We don’t want other parents to have to lose their children like we did."

Stage 2 CTE is associated with "progressive behavior, cognitive and mood abnormalities." Family members say Thomas developed depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and trouble with his memory in the years before his death. Stage 4 is the most severe stage of CTE and is usually associated with dementia.

"Like so many that have gone before, we found stage 2 CTE in the brain of Demaryius Thomas. The question I keep asking myself is ‘When will enough be enough?’ When will athletes, parents and the public at large stop