Former CFL player Neil Lumsden has pledged to donate his brain to Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada (CLFC) for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
“I am fortunate to have played a high-collision sport for many years without experiencing any negative effects from concussions, but many of my teammates have not been as lucky,” the 71-year-old said in a statement on Wednesday.
“With this donation, I hope to support ongoing research that will help protect athletes in the future. However, individual actions alone are not enough — I urge our federal, provincial, and territorial partners to follow Ontario’s lead and enact Rowan’s Law to protect young athletes — and athletes of all ages — nationwide.”
Rowan’s Law, named after Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player who passed away from complications due to multiple concussions, is Canada’s only legislation to address athletes’ brain health. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) believes it could serve as a model for concussion safety legislation across the country.
Lumsden, who currently serves as the Minister of Sport for the Province of Ontario, helped provide up to $52,500 of public funding to CLFC, which is partnering with the CAMH to conduct a study regarding head injuries in athletes to “explore incidence of brain injuries and the psychological effects of concussions and repetitive head impacts.” The study will take place over 12 months in Toronto, Ont.
“Minister Lumsden’s decision to donate his brain and his advocacy for brain injury legislation are encouraging steps forward in our collective efforts to combat brain injuries,” said Tim Fleiszer, a former CFL player who is now the executive director of CLFC. “His dedication will inspire both positive change in policy and advancements in research, ultimately making sports safer across the country.”
Lumsden was a star running back at the University of Ottawa before playing 10 years in the CFL as a member of the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Edmonton Football Team. He won three Grey Cups as part of Edmonton’s iconic dynasty and won the Dick Suderman Trophy in 1981 as the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Canadian.
The native of London, Ont. retired following the 1985 season having rushed for 3,755 yards and 36 touchdowns and caught 180 passes for 1,729 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
