Cowboys Legend Diagnosed with CTE— Can’t Speak, But Still Remembers Playing for DALLAS👇

September 24, 2025, 11:45 AM (GMT+7)

DALLAS, Texas — Cowboys Nation is mourning a heartbreaking revelation about one of its all-time greats. Tony Dorsett, the iconic running back who powered the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl title, has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at age 71, his family confirmed. The news casts a shadow over the team, currently 2-1, as they prepare for a Week 4 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Health Condition

Dorsett, now in a 24-hour care facility in Texas, has lost much of his ability to speak and battles severe memory loss. His wife shared a poignant update: “He hardly remembers anything anymore. He only recalls our daughter’s name and that he played for the Cowboys. He often doesn’t recognize me.” Doctors attribute his condition to CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, which has diminished the once-dynamic running back’s vibrancy and clarity.

Illustrious Career with the Cowboys

From 1977 to 1987, Dorsett started 156 games for Dallas, earning the nickname “Silver Bullet” for his explosive speed and clutch plays. He led the Cowboys to Super Bowl XII victory in 1978, earning Rookie of the Year and a Super Bowl ring, and was a four-time Pro Bowler. With 12,036 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns, he secured his 1994 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Teammates like Roger Staubach praised him as “the spark of our offense.”

Link to Head Trauma

Dorsett’s CTE diagnosis is tied to countless head impacts during his 12-year NFL career, an era with scant concussion protocols. Research from the Boston University CTE Center, which has identified CTE in over 350 former NFL players, highlights running backs like Dorsett as high-risk due to frequent collisions. His family links his decline to this cumulative damage, similar to cases like Earl Campbell, another running back affected by CTE.

Significance and Legacy

Dorsett’s diagnosis underscores football’s physical toll, reigniting discussions on player safety. His legacy as a Super Bowl champion and charismatic figure endures, but this news amplifies calls for NFL reforms. Fans continue to cherish his contributions to Dallas’s storied past.

Context and Reaction

Cowboys fans expressed sorrow on X, with one writing, “Tony’s our hero—CTE can’t erase his legacy.” Roger Staubach called it “devastating,” urging support for CTE research. As the Cowboys, led by Dak Prescott, manage injuries (e.g., Micah Parsons’ ankle), Dorsett’s battle motivates the team to honor his grit with a Super Bowl run.

Based on reports from Cowboys’ media and family statements.