CBS Sports analyst, former NFL player Ross Tucker joins new CTE research study, honors two former football players for My Cause My Cleats campaign
Tucker selected CLF as his charity for NFL’s annual effort
(Boston) – Former NFL player and current sports broadcaster Ross Tucker has selected the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) as his charity for the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign this year. Tucker’s custom-designed shoes will honor two former football players, Chip Collins and Michael Brooks, who were recently diagnosed with CTE, highlighting the urgent need to advance CTE research to develop a diagnosis during life and treatments for those suffering. Tucker plans to wear the shoes Week 12 when he calls the Browns vs. Raiders game.
Charles “Chip” Collins played tackle football for 8 years, including youth and high school football, in Southborough, MA. The land and wildlife conservationist developed dementia in his mid-50s and passed away last year at age 70. During life, Collins enrolled in the BANK CTE study, a first-of-its-kind research effort from the Boston University CTE Center aimed at diagnosing CTE in the living. Collins was the first participant in the study to pass away and donate his brain. Researchers diagnosed him with stage 4 (of 4) CTE and will use the blood he donated during life to begin validating the study’s diagnostic approach.
After being inspired by Collins’ story, Ross Tucker announced he will also enroll in the BANK CTE study, which requires three steps: a simple blood draw at any Quest lab, taking an online survey testing your cognitive function, and pledging to donate your brain to research.
“I’m honored to use my platform to support the Concussion Legacy Foundation and to recognize Michael Brooks and Chip Collins,” said Tucker, who played seven seasons in the NFL. “Their stories remind us why continued research is critical. By joining BANK CTE, I hope to contribute to the scientific advancements that will lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and ultimately, an end to the disease.”
During his time as an All-Ivy offensive lineman at Princeton, Tucker played against Harvard strong safety Michael Brooks, a teammate of CLF co-founder CEO Dr. Chris Nowinski. Brooks passed away last year at age 45 and BU researchers later diagnosed him with stage 2 CTE. He became the first person under 50 at BU diagnosed with CTE with TDP-43 pathology in the hippocampus. TPD-43 pathology is also associated with neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s disease, and its role in CTE is only beginning to be understood.
“Michael’s desire to help others extends beyond his lifetime,” said Jamar Brooks, Michael’s brother. “His contribution is not just a data point, but a beacon of hope for future breakthroughs.”
“Michael Brooks was a great player and teammate, and he is missed,” said Nowinski. “We are grateful to Ross Tucker for selecting CLF as his charity for the fifth year in a row. By honoring Michael Brooks and Chip Collins and enrolling in the BANK CTE study, Ross is helping drive meaningful progress in our fight to End CTE.”
This year, My Cause My Cleats is allowing fans to make an impact and support players’ and broadcasters’ efforts by donating to their charity of choice. Anyone can contribute to Ross Tucker’s page for CLF here.
Current and former football players can join Ross Tucker in the fight to End CTE by signing up for the CLF Research Registry. Those who are interested can learn more about pledging their brain or participating in clinical research studies like BANK CTE at CLFResearch.org.