NHL Veteran Greg Johnson Died from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Five years after Greg Johnson's death, his family announced that he died by suicide due to severe symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This brain disease, caused by repeated head injuries, was diagnosed postmortem, revealing the devastating impact of contact sports on athletes' well-being.

Greg Johnson, a former NHL veteran who played for 12 seasons, died by suicide in 2019. Five years later, his family has revealed that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, which was diagnosed posthumously.

Johnson's widow, Kristin, expressed shock upon learning the diagnosis, stating that Greg had experienced few noticeable symptoms. However, he often spoke of his concussions, and his decision to retire due to a heart condition was motivated by his fear of further head injuries.

NHL Veteran Greg Johnson Died from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

The couple's eldest daughter, Carson, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the risks of CTE, especially among athletes. She highlighted the devastating impact on families and the need for the NHL to acknowledge and mitigate these risks.

Johnson's youngest daughter, Piper, expressed pride in her father's contribution to CTE research. She emphasized the importance of open dialogue about mental health struggles and the availability of support for those in need.

NHL Veteran Greg Johnson Died from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Johnson played for the Nashville Predators for the majority of his career, serving as captain. Prior to that, he played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1989 but never played for them.

CTE can only be diagnosed after death, making it challenging to assess its prevalence among athletes. However, research suggests that it is common in contact sports such as hockey, football, and boxing.

NHL Veteran Greg Johnson Died from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Symptoms of CTE can include memory loss, impaired judgment, aggression, depression, and anxiety. In extreme cases, it can lead to suicide.

Johnson's diagnosis underscores the need for greater attention to head injuries in sports. As more athletes come forward to share their experiences, the impact of CTE on their lives and families becomes increasingly evident.

The NHL has taken steps to address concussion protocols and player safety, but experts argue that more needs to be done to protect athletes from the long-term consequences of head trauma.

Johnson's legacy will continue to contribute to raising awareness about CTE and its effects on athletes. His family's decision to share their story is a testament to the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting open dialogue about the challenges faced by those impacted by CTE.