10 Scandals That Rocked The NFL

Junior Seau wasn't only a big personality, he was a hell of a player, which makes it exceptionally saddening that he shot himself on May 2, 2012. Seau had reportedly sustained a high number of concussions throughout his career and was dealing with severe depression and insomnia - something that his family feel influenced his decision to take his life.

This was horribly similar to the suicide of former player Dave Duerson just over a year before, who had shot himself in the chest, requesting his brain be sent for analysis. Duerson was found to be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a brain injury sustained from years of taking knocks in the NFL.

These two tragic events (amid others) have led to the NFL accepting a degree of responsibility for brain damage cases and the creation of rules designed to reduce instances of concussion.

As of this year, a number of families of players affected by concussion and brain injuries are seeking reparations from the league.