While hits to the head cause some of these problems there is another issue with many of these guys. Since they were in middle school they have been passed along and coddled because they were the best athlete in their class. In high school they were told they were great and not held accountable for normal everyday things. Then college and the same thing happens. Then they hit the pro’s and they are coddled again, people to do everything for them including keeping them out of jail in some cases. Add to that the stacks of money keeps getting bigger at every level. And what do they have to do to keep all this……….just do what they do better then most people at their sport. So when age or injury comes along and takes ALL OF THAT AWAY they must learn how to cope with just being a guy with no advantages in life other then they may have (or not) a little money piled up.
Hits to the head is just a small part of the total social collapse of these guys.
Much like the Beverly Hillbilly’s when their career ends.