Latest Concussion Lawsuit Provides Grim Details of Life After the Game

Updated – Taylor’s lawsuit was amended earlier this afternoon – Jan. 2, 2013.

On December 31st, 2-time All-Pro and Kansas City Chiefs legend, Otis Taylor (70), filed a lawsuit against the NFL and Roger Goodell. According to the lawsuit obtained by NFLConcussionLitigation.com, Taylor requires “constant medical care and supervision.”

During his career, according to his lawsuit, Taylor “suffered seizures in 1969 while he played professional football.” In 1990 Taylor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. “He is currently bedridden, cannot verbally communicate, is unable to walk, and relies on a feeding tube for all his sustenance ,” according to his lawsuit. Taylor alleges that the NFL is legally responsible for his injuries.

Taylor’s complaint provides grim details into life after football for some former players. Taylor was once a powerful flanker, who is now severally debilitated by neurodegenerative diseases caused by numerous concussive and sub-concussive blows on the gridiron.

It is important to remember that the older guys, especially pre-1993 players, never received huge contracts, and their families are now forced to pay for medical expenses out of their own pocket. Although the NFL provides funding through the 88 Plan, these funds are insufficient to provide for the full medical care players need, and they do not reimburse/compensate caretakers who have to give up their livelihood and jobs to care for their loved ones.

Taylor’s lawsuit will soon be removed to federal court and then transferred to Philadelphia to be consolidated with the other 195-plus concussion lawsuits.