Lance Briggs exercising his mind and his body to combat CTE
By Mark Carman
Former Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs stopped by FanSided to speak about his post-playing days and delivered a message to former teammates and competitors on how to deal with the effects of CTE. Briggs is working with Sqor on a video series titled “Time of my Life” to raise awareness.
Briggs still loves the game of football and he would encourage his two sons to play the sport if they were interested. He also would play the game again if given the choice knowing what he knows now, saying ‘no doubt’ while highlighting a few things perks of playing the game does. Birggs quipped, “I loved to hit people.”
Briggs played with quarterback Jay Cuter who was recently released by the Bears. He did not mince words on what it was like to play with Cutler.
“When the deal was made and Jay (Cutler) was coming I couldn’t have been happier,” Briggs said. “We were a top-five defense and top-five special teams. When you have that set-up all you have to do isTrent Dilfer the game. Manage the game and don’t turn the ball over, and we would have consistently made the playoffs.”
Briggs follows other sports and is rooting for his Arizona Wildcats to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. He was disappointed with Arizona’s two-seed, but is confident the Wildcats can matchup well with No. 1 Gonzaga.
“They are familiar foes. We lost to them earlier, I like our chances,” Briggs said.
Briggs continues to do a lot of charity work through his foundation Briggs4Kidz with kids in his hometown of Sacramento, as well as Tuscon, Arizona and in Chicago. The message he wants to spread about CTE is the importance for players to stay active as they transition their lives away from football.
“I believe one of the things that will keep CTE away is if you always have a full plate,” Briggs said. “For me, I see CTE like arthritis for our bodies. It is going to happen. Doctors have said you are going to get it if you are not working out everyday.”
Briggs is back in school working towards his degree. He originally was a psychology/sociology major, but is finishing up with a combined degree. More important for Briggs is keeping his mind active. He bikes regularly and you can find him making the media rounds as well. Soon, you will find him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.