Conrad Dobler Diagnosed with CTE After Death at Age 72

Conrad Dobler, once recognized as the dirtiest player in the NFL, had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he passed away in 2023 at the age of 72, as announced by his family and the Boston University CTE Center on Wednesday.

Dobler, an offensive lineman and a three-time Pro Bowl selection in the 1970s, was diagnosed with Stage 3 CTE. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that can only be diagnosed posthumously, categorized into four stages.

CTE is linked to repeated head injuries and associated with symptoms such as depression and aggressive behavior.

"My dad loved the game of football, but his love for the game took a toll on his body, his mind, and his relationships," Erin Lewin, Dobler's daughter and primary caregiver, stated in a news release from the Boston University CTE Center. "His CTE diagnosis provides a sense of closure regarding his neurological and behavioral issues that affected not only him but all of us who loved him."

Dobler's daughter emphasized their relief in having a definitive answer regarding his health struggles and their pride in honoring his wish to raise awareness about the risks of repetitive head trauma and the research efforts at Boston University.

In a 2016 interview, Dobler revealed his struggles with memory and motivation, stating, "I have six kids, I don't even know their names. It kind of pisses me off because I prided myself on having such a wonderful memory."

His daughter, Holli, noted in 2016 that he sometimes had difficulty controlling his emotions, creating uncertainty around whether these challenges were inherent to his personality or linked to football-related brain trauma.

Dobler's NFL career lasted from 1972 to 1981, and he was famously referred to as "Pro Football's Dirtiest Player" in a 1977 Sports Illustrated cover story. He embraced this image, even titling his autobiography, "They Call Me Dirty."

Dobler retired from the NFL after ten years, playing for teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills. In 2010, he committed to supporting the Boston University CTE Center and participated in clinical research.

After his death on February 13, 2023, his brain was examined by the Center. Research indicated he had a subtype of CTE known as cortical sparing CTE, which manifests behavioral symptoms earlier but generally has less severe cognitive symptoms, according to the Boston University CTE Center.

"The support we have received from Conrad Dobler and the hundreds of former NFL players and their families who have participated in our research has put us on the cusp of diagnosing CTE in living people," stated Ann McKee, chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the Boston University CTE Center. "With continued support from the NFL player community, we will be able to prevent future families from suffering the indignities and pain of CTE."