The latest well-known former NFL player to sue the league over brain damage that he says he suffered on the field is former Redskins defensive end Dexter Manley, who says he needed brain surgery because of a condition caused by football.
Manley, who had brain surgery six years ago to remove a cyst, says he’s convinced that the cyst was caused by hits to the head he took on the field.
“I had a 12 and a half hour brain surgery in 2006, and I’m recovering . . . and that’s related to football,” Manley told the Washington Times.
It’s somewhat surprising that Manley would say his brain surgery is related to football, as previous reports had indicated that his cysts were caused by a hereditary condition, and that his mother also had brain surgery. But at a time when more than 2,700 former players are suing the NFL, it’s really not surprising when anyone steps forward to file a lawsuit. And now Manley has decided to join in.