Sidney Rice Donates His Brain to Science

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Two more NFL veterans have promised to donate their brains to science, as doctors continue to look for ways to curb the league’s concussion problem.

Via Stephen Cohen of SeattlePI.com, former Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice and Giants punter Steve Weatherford made the announcement on “Fox and Friends,” saying they wanted scientists to see the effects of concussions during their playing days after their deaths.

Rice said he estimated he had eight to 10 concussions during his NFL career, but the first one came when he was 8 years old: “It was the first time I ever saw stars, aside from the cartoon shows.”

Rice said he could tell things have changed since his rookie year in 2007, with teams taking head injuries more seriously. But he said it’s hard to convince players to take themselves out sometimes.

“It’s just the way we’re brought up. I guess it’s the culture,” Rice said. “You feel like you have to be out there on the field. It’s the competition that’s instilled in you. You love it, you want to be out there, but it’s very important that you pay attention to what goes on when you get a concussion.”

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