Former Buc Warren Sapp To Donate Brain To Science

TAMPA, FL — Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Warren Sapp is best known for dishing out some heavy hits on the gridiron, but he could also take them. Those hits took their toll though, which is why the seven-time Pro Bowler announced on Tuesday plans to donate his brain to science.

Only 44, Sapp isn’t quite ready to give up his noddle to the Boston-based Concussion Legacy Foundation just yet. Until it’s time, he’s speaking out about the dangers of the sport that made him a star. In a 3-minute video posted at the Players’ Tribute on Tuesday, Sapp told his story about memory loss.

Get the Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox.

Sapp said he was inspired to take a more active role in concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) research after receiving an email sent out by former running back Fred Willis that contained quotes from NFL owners. “I mean down the line you could see it: There’s no correlation between football, CTE, suicides and all this foolish stuff.”

Sapp takes issue with there not being a correlation. He retired from the NFL in 2008 after 13 hard-hitting seasons. The defensive tackle spent nine years with Bucs and four with the Oakland Raiders. He estimates he suffered at least three concussions during that time. Now, he said his memory is slipping.

“I used to call myself an elephant in the room,” he said. “Never forget anything.” That’s not the case any more, Sapp said, chronicling his need to set phone reminders to keep up with routine tasks.

“I can’t remember anymore like I used to,” he said. “And it’s from the banging we did as football players.”

The game, Sapp said, should be about skill, not brain-crushing hits. “Let’s keep making the game better. That’s the biggest thing to make it safer.” The former Super Bowl champ is advocating that tackle football be reserved for players in high school and up.

He’s also encouraging other NFL players to help with concussion research, as well.

The Concussion Legacy Foundation “is dedicated to advancing the study, treatment and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups,” according to its website. It envisions “a world without CTE, and concussion safety without compromise.”

CTE is a degenerative brain disease often found in athletes, veterans and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma. To find out more about the foundation and CTE, visit the organization’s website.

Screenshot and video via YouTube