Detroit Lions OT Emmett Cleary to donate brain to concussion research

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Emmett Cleary pledged to donate his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation to aid with research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

"Everyone in football should be supportive of this research," Cleary said in the announcement on The Legacy Foundation's website Wednesday.

"I feel like you have responsibility to your teammates, other players in the league, and the next generation of football players to support the research. I would encourage anyone who loves the game to get involved with brain research."

Cleary, 27, joins Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Eric Winston as active NFL players in pledging to donate their brains this year.

"Football has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on my life. I love the game and I hope it continues to flourish," Cleary said in the release. "I think anyone involved with the game should be aware and proactive about research and the long-term well-being of the players. Why wouldn't I pledge to donate my brain?"

The awareness of CTE over the past decade has plagued the NFL as more and more accounts are shared publicly. The death of Hall of Famer Junior Seau in 2012 at age 43 just 2 1/2 years after his playing career ended was particularly alarming.

Boston University has released three studies on CTE since July. In one study, test results on 111 brains of deceased former NFL players revealed evidence of CTE in 110 (99 percent).