Waters, a victim of degenerative brain disease (CTE), committed suicide at 44 years of age.
I’ve written on these pages about football players who’ve suffered from CTE, including Mike Webster and Terry Long. Andre Waters, who died in 2006, is another casualty of this football-induced brain disease.
Waters as an Eagle, making a tackle leading with his head (photo, New York Times)
Waters was born in Florida in deep poverty. Football was his refuge. He played college ball at Cheyney University in Pennsylvania and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1984. With the nickname of ‘Dirty Waters,’ Waters had a solid NFL career.
After retiring, Waters branched into coaching at the college and pro levels, but demons followed him everywhere he went. Eventually, he took his life by gunshot. He was only 44 years of age.
If you know anyone who is contemplating suicide–no matter the reason–please call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
