Former Detroit Lion Diagnosed With CTE

Former Detroit Lions running back Mel Farr had stage three CTE according to ESPN.

Farr died in 2015 due to diagnosed hypertension, he was 70 years-old. His brain was donated to Boston University School of Medicine where it was diagnosed with stage three CTE.

"At Stage 3, the disease is widespread, but most severe in the frontal lobes as well as the medial temporal lobes, specifically the hippocampus, which plays a critical role in forming new memories, and the amygdala, which governs emotion, said Dr. McKee, who is also a professor of neurology and pathology at Boston University.

Farr spent his entire NFL career with Detroit, from 1967-73. He was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1967, when he ran for 860 yards in 13 games.

He ran for 717 yards in 1970, enroute to a 10-4 record in the regular season.  Farr finished his pro career with 3,072 yards on 739 carries.