The Cost of Truth: Dr. Bennet Omalu and the Fight Against CTE in Football.
How Science, Ethics, and Faith Intersect in the Pursuit of Player Safety and Personal Integrity
Football. “America’s sport”.
Don’t get it twisted, I love me some football. As an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, I’m well accustomed to the euphoric highs — and devastating lows — of sitting on the edge of the couch or if I’m lucky, the stadium seat cheering on my favorite team.
But when you watch players take crushing hit after hit, it is difficult not to question the potential for lasting damage. These concerns are further substantiated by instances of erratic behavior among certain athletes, both on and off the field. One notable example is Antonio Brown’s widely publicized incident in January 2022, during which he removed his jersey, pads, and undershirt mid-game before leaving the field while gesturing a peace sign to the crowd.1 Since then, he has faced a series of legal issues, including, most recently, charges of attempted murder.2
Antonio Brown is far from the minority in this, as a study conducted in 2017 concluded that among 202 NFL athletes studied, 177 (86%) of them were neuropathologically diagnosed with a condition that is now referred to as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).3
While similar incidents can be traced back to the early 1920’s across various sports and activities, the language and frameworks needed to adequately articulate this troubling phenomenon were largely absent. It was not until advancements in neurological research enabled clinical examination of the neuropathological features in affected individuals that the pattern began to be formally recognized. Case reports describing CTE notably increased during the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with technological advances that enabled formal observation of these neuropathological characteristics.4
This essay explores not only the scientific and ethical challenges in diagnosing and confronting CTE through Dr. Bennet Omalu’s work but also the spiritual and moral convictions that sustained him through opposition, illustrating how science, ethics, and faith intertwine in the pursuit of truth and service.
I recently watched the film, Concussion that tells the story of Bennet Omalu, a pathologist who helped formerly diagnosis CTE by studying the brains of former NFL players who died young and under troubling circumstances. Omalu linked their deaths to repeated head trauma sustained during their careers, which he believed led to the development of a permanent brain condition that often proved dire; a condition associated with depression, memory loss, hallucinations, suicidal behavior, severe personality changes, and early death.
Although the players he examined died from various causes, they all died prematurely and exhibited behaviors that their loved ones consistently described as uncharacteristic. This observation suggested a common pattern of cognitive and emotional decline that tragically contributed to their deaths, prompting Omalu to conduct further research and autopsies until he established a conclusive link.
Dr. Omalu’s approach to each case exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and adherence to core ethical principles, including autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. His autonomous commitment to rigorous research, often in defiance of corrupt and racially biased leadership, underscores the challenges faced by those seeking to illuminate the hidden consequences of repetitive head trauma.
Despite bearing the financial burden for extensive testing, Omalu’s motivation was not personal gain but a profound ethical obligation to protect current and future athletes. His unwavering dedication to beneficence is evident in his efforts to establish a definitive link between premature deaths and repeated head injuries, work aimed at informing necessary safety protocols to prevent further harm. This selfless commitment, devoid of desire for public recognition or reward, aligns with the broader thesis that understanding and addressing the long-term neuropathological effects of sports-related trauma requires both scientific rigor and moral courage.
Despite the compelling evidence he uncovered, the NFL actively attempted to suppress his findings, fearing that public awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) would diminish the popularity of the sport and reduce profits. In the face of this opposition, Dr. Omalu displayed profound nonmaleficence and justice, risking his career, medical license, and reputation to advocate for the deceased and prevent further harm to current and future players.
Near the end of the film, he drew a powerful comparison: just as soldiers are informed of the risks of combat, including injury or death, NFL players deserve to be told the truth about the dangers of repeated brain injuries. These athletes don’t just risk broken bones or torn muscles; they put their lives on the line every time they step onto the field. Omalu explained that players often sustain hits delivering 60 to 70 g-forces; comparable to being struck in the head with a sledgehammer or crashing a car at 35 miles per hour without a helmet.5
He publicly challenged the NFL and directly confronted Dr. Elliot Pellman, the chairman of the league’s Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee, holding them accountable for their ethical obligation to protect the health and safety of the athletes under their care.
While the scientific and ethical dimensions of Dr. Omalu’s work are exemplary, they represent only part of the story. Equally important is the spiritual foundation and personal virtues that sustained him through relentless opposition and personal hardship. His journey demonstrates that scientific progress often requires not only intellectual rigor but also deep moral courage rooted in faith and resilience.
It was obvious that much of Dr. Omalu’s motivation came from his deep faith and personal virtues that supported his moral reasoning and actions. Throughout the movie, he frequently prays and is very well supported by his wife who provides sound counsel and spiritual insight to guide him on his way. Not only was he faced with the struggle of discovering a new diagnosis but also faced profound and very frequent harassment and backlash from his work and the NFL itself, ultimately becoming a figure of not only scientific progress, but also incredible controversy.
However, his compassion, humility, and perseverance reflected virtues of faith, hope, and love and kept him from giving up and equipped him to confront the many injustices that stood in his way. I also was quite moved by his insistence on respecting each body during the autopsy process, revealing his belief in the sanctity and gift of human life. His integrity, grit, and unwavering honesty amongst severe opposition stemmed from his moral compass that was entirely shaped and reinforced by faith.
The story did an exceptional job at exemplifying a deep spiritual truth; a walk of faith is not one paved in equity and ease, but in trial, disparity, and tribulation.
Even the most sound and beneficent motivations can result in severe intolerance, injustice, and persecution. His journey affirms that the desire to serve and advocate for what is right must be grounded in a resolute “why”; a moral conviction and responsibility to serve others in the midst of life’s pain, struggle, and corruption. It is a call to give, to bless, and to cling to the hand of faith even when the road is marked with indelible suffering.
Dr. Omalu’s story reminds us that the pursuit of truth and justice — whether in medicine, sports, or any field — demands both rigorous evidence and steadfast faith in one’s moral convictions. His work challenges us to recognize that scientific discovery, ethical responsibility, and spiritual perseverance are not separate paths but deeply connected aspects of authentic service to others.
The film Concussion proved to be a sobering and thought-provoking experience, lingering in my mind long after the credits rolled. While I do not see the NFL as inherently corrupt, nor Dr. Omalu’s life as without hope or inspiration, the movie illuminated a difficult truth: the pursuit of service, love, and selfless dedication often comes with personal cost. Whether in medicine, sports, nursing, or any field, the desire to give wholly of oneself does not guarantee appreciation, success, or positive outcomes.
We may face indifference, resistance, or failure despite our best efforts. Yet Dr. Omalu’s story teaches that meaningful work requires an unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and a purpose that transcends external rewards.
The prevalence of CTE continues today, but thanks to the language, awareness, and research that began with Dr. Omalu’s work, safety innovations in the NFL have made tangible progress. Since 2002, when Omalu’s discoveries were widely recognized, over 50 changes have been made to promote safety within the NFL.6
There is still a long road ahead, as many players continue to endure devastating injuries and long-term consequences. But Dr. Omalu’s story affirms that progress is always possible when our motivation is rooted in the protection of human life and a deep love for others — the kind of love first revealed to us through faith. That foundation, more than anything, empowers us to endure hardship, confront injustice, and serve others with courage and conviction.
REFERENCES
Landesman, P. (Director). (2015). Concussion [Film]. Columbia Pictures. Hulu
David K. Li, “Antonio Brown Removes Jersey, Storms Off Field in Dramatic Exit from NFL Game,” NBC News, January 2, 2022, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/antonio-brown-removes-jersey-storms-field-dramatic-team-exit-rcna10655.
Ayrton Ostly, “Report: Warrant Issued for Antonio Brown,” USA Today, June 12, 2025, https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/06/12/report-warrant-issued-antonio-brown/
Lindsley, Craig W. 2017. “Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): A Brief Historical Overview and Recent Focus on NFL Players.” ACS Chemical Neuroscience 8, no. 8 (August 16): 1629–31.
McKee, A.C., Stein, T.D., Huber, B.R. et al. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): criteria for neuropathological diagnosis and relationship to repetitive head impacts. Acta Neuropathol 145, 371–394 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00401-023-02540-w
Landesman, P. (Director). (2015). Concussion [Film]. Columbia Pictures.
David Brandt, “Clarified: How Is the NFL Tackling Player Safety?,” KCRA, February 12, 2023, https://www.kcra.com/article/clarified-how-is-the-nfl-tackling-player-safety/42814087.
I remember watching this movie and being more aware of the long term effects of head injuries. This was so well written, Devon, and you bring out key aspects of the sacrifices involved in seeking to prevent these injuries.
I agree with Susan's comment. Very well written, Devon. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I feel you've covered many important points well. Thank you for your hard work and for sharing.