Concussion Movie

Concussion: The True Story of CTE Expert Dr. Bennet Omalu

Uncovering the Hidden Crisis of Football-Related Brain Trauma

Fighting Against the NFL's Suppression

In the gripping drama "Concussion," Will Smith portrays the real-life story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist whose groundbreaking research uncovered the devastating truth about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players.

Despite facing immense resistance from the National Football League (NFL) and the medical establishment, Dr. Omalu's relentless pursuit of scientific truth led to the recognition of CTE as a major public health issue.

Dr. Bennet Omalu: A Trailblazing Scientist

Forensic and Neuropathological Expertise

Dr. Omalu, a Nigerian-born immigrant, received his medical degree in the United States.

His background in forensic pathology and neuropathology uniquely equipped him to identify and study the microscopic changes in the brains of deceased football players.

Discovering Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Examining the Brain of Mike Webster

In 2002, Dr. Omalu was tasked with examining the brain of former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster, who died at the age of 50 after years of suffering from dementia.

Upon examination, Dr. Omalu discovered abnormal protein deposits in Webster's brain indicative of CTE, a degenerative disease associated with repeated head trauma.

NFL's Resistance and Suppression

Denying the Link to Football

The NFL initially resisted acknowledging the link between football and CTE, downplaying the severity of the condition and questioning Dr. Omalu's findings.

They employed a team of lawyers and public relations experts to discredit Dr. Omalu and suppress his research.

A David vs. Goliath Struggle

Perseverance Amidst Adversity

Despite the intense opposition from the NFL, Dr. Omalu remained steadfast in his mission to expose the truth about CTE.

He continued to publish his findings in scientific journals and testified before Congress about the need for better protection for football players.

Legacy and Impact

Transforming Football Safety

Dr. Omalu's relentless advocacy played a pivotal role in raising awareness about CTE and its devastating effects on athletes.

As a result of his work, the NFL implemented rule changes to minimize head trauma and created a concussion protocol to ensure player safety.