David Drachman was a talented athlete who excelled on the football field. His prowess for the sport led him to become a star All-American at the University of Louisville, before earning a spot in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. After his playing days were over, he pivoted toward business, becoming the first CEO of AtriCure and eventually turning it into a billion-dollar company. After his passing in September 2023 at age 65, Drachman’s family donated his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank, where researchers diagnosed him with stage 3 (of 4) CTE. Below, the Drachman family share David’s Legacy Story in the hopes of helping all families affected by this disease.
David Jay Drachman was a born winner. A wonderful husband and father, he did everything with the utmost intention and desire to be the very best.
He was an All-American defensive football star at the University of Louisville, which landed him a spot in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills.
After football, David brought his energy and intense passion into the cardiovascular medical device industry. He became the first CEO of AtriCure and took the now multibillion-dollar company public, starting with just five employees. He built a winning culture wherever he went and took pride in always acting with the highest level of integrity.
Around the age of 50, David began experiencing haunting symptoms of suspected CTE. From intense pain to poor sleep, as well as mood changes, his issues only got worse. After David’s passing, we donated his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank, where researchers diagnosed him with stage 3 CTE. It is our hope, as he would want, that this research can help all the other individuals & families affected by this disease.
Although David could sometimes be the most intense man in the room, he was also the most generous and giving. On behalf of the entire Drachman family, we will continue to push for safer sports, advancements in research, and pray for everyone out there who may also be suffering.
You can help advance the understanding of CTE by participating in research.
Through education and prevention programs, and research with our Global Brain Bank partners, we’re working tirelessly to End CTE.