It's takes no stretch of the imagination to come to the general conclusion that the number of heavy hits professional football players take are hazardous to their health. The Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy has studied the brains of 5 former NFL players after their (early) deaths and discovered brain damage that's commonly associated with boxers. Twelve professional athletes, including six NFL players, have agreed to donate their brains to the center after their deaths to help the center with its study of the long-term effects of concussions, which published studies connect with cognitive impairment and depression. The NFL says that "in regard to its players, the long-term effects of concussions are uncertain." [NYT]