Recently retired NFL star Jason Kelce was recently caught on social media platform X, engaging in a conversation about the racehorse Secretariat. In that conversation which revolved around the use of steroids, the topic of CTE was brought up by a former horse racing reporter. But it was Kelce’s reply that rattled the discussion.
To counter Kelce’s proofless suggestion that Secretariat was on steroids, former reporter Jay Privman suggested that the former Philadelphia Eagles star might have CTE, without any formal testing.
I mean I can virtually guarantee that I have CTE, all the research would suggest I have some degree of it. I think it is entirely reasonable to assume I have some degree of that pathology. Jason Kelce answered
Privman was trying to make a point about not making a statement without proof. However, Kelce suggested that all points suggest that he has CTE. Even though there is no testing available to prove it.
A bold claim considering the very mention of CTE is a major red flag for anything related to the NFL. Since the 2005 findings by Dr. Bennet Omalu, CTE has often been discussed among NFL players due to the very nature of the sport.
With this revelation, the former All-Pro center seems to have resigned to the fact that he might have CTE. But to use it to justify his point might not sit well with the NFL that helped Jason Kelce achieve this fame.
Jason Kelce’s claim could rattle the NFL
Severe repetitive blows from head-to-head contacts causes CTE. Something that happens on every single play in the game of football. The league has tried its best to avoid head-to-head contact, even though the dangers of the game are inevitable. But this statement from Kelce could have repercussions throughout the world of football.
Boston University came out with research showing 345 out of deceased 376 former players had CTE. That already has had an impact on the game. Parents are now more aware and might not allow their children to go through that ordeal. Add Jason Kelce’s words, considering all his fame, and it might work against how the NFL wants its fans to view its sport.
After all, for the game to move forward, they need more and more children to pick up football. With the fear of CTE running around, the league might not get its quality players in the future.
More must-reads: