In the article "Brain disease called CTE is found to affect almost all pro football players," Amber Partida discusses how playing football affects players' brains. Many long-term players develop the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE. The disease is caused by repetitive trauma to the head; with football being one of the most popular contact sports, there is no doubt that players are especially susceptible to the disease. CTE can cause a number of symptoms such as impulsive behavior, emotional instability, depression, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts or behavior. Many former football players have taken their lives because of the effects of CTE: Terry Long, for example, killed himself on June 7, 2005
