The family of former NFL star Conrad Dobler, also known as “the NFL’s Dirtiest Player” announced that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The former three-time Pro Bowl guard passed away at the age of 72 on Feb. 13, 2023. He played in the NFL From 1972 to 1981 for the St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills.
Erin Lewin, Dobler’s daughter, announced in a statement that researchers at the Boston University CTE Center diagnosed him with Stage 3 CTE, per ESPN. CTE can only be diagnosed after death during an autopsy.
Here is Lewin’s full statement:
“My dad loved the game of football, but his love for the game took a toll on his body, his mind, and his relationships. His CTE diagnosis provides a sense of closure in terms of justifying his neurological and behavioral issues that took a toll not only on him but on all of us who loved and cared for him. We are relieved to have a definitive answer and proud to honor his wish to go public with the findings to raise awareness for the risks of repetitive head trauma and for the research being done at Boston University.”
In Feb. 2023, the Boston University CTE Center announced that they found CTE in 345 out of 376 former players’ brains that were studied in the research. Former Pittsburgh Steelers star center Mike Webster was the first NFL player diagnosed with CTE.
BREAKING: 3x Pro Bowler Conrad Dobler diagnosed with stage 3 #CTE by @bu_cte after his death in 2023.
— Concussion Legacy Foundation (@ConcussionLF) February 5, 2025
Dobler, once dubbed "Pro Football's Dirtiest Player" by @SInow, pledged to donate his brain in 2010 and participated in clinical research at the BU CTE Center.
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Dobler helped the Cardinals and Bills to rare playoff appearances in 1974 and 75. He helped Buffalo enjoy consecutive postseason trips as well in 1980 and ’81, going as far as the Divisional Round in the latter year.
Conrad Dobler Embraced His “Dirty Player” Reputation
Conrad Dobler was memorably featured on the cover of a 1977 Sports Illustrated issue, which called him “Pro Football’s Dirtiest Player.” Dobler was quoted as saying, “I’ll do anything I can get away with.”
Additionally, in 1988, Dobler released his memoir called “They Call Me Dirty”.
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