Former NFL guard Conrad Dobler, once dubbed the league's dirtiest player, was suffering from CTE when he died in 2023, a new study has revealed. Almost exactly two years on from his death at the age of 72, Dobler's family and the Boston University CTE Center announced Wednesday that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 of the degenerative brain disease after his passing. 'My dad loved the game of football, but his love for the game took a toll on his body, his mind, and his relationships,' said Dobler’s daughter Erin Lewin, who was his primary caregiver for the final few years of his life.

'His CTE diagnosis provides a sense of closure in terms of justifying his neurological and behavioral issues that took a toll not only on him but on all of us who loved and cared for him. 'We are relieved to have a definitive answer and proud to honor his wish to go public with the findings to raise awareness for the risks of repetitive head trauma and for the research being done at Boston University.'.

CTE - short for chronic traumatic encephalopathy - remains a huge concern for the NFL after an alarming 2023 study found that 92 percent of deceased players had the disease, which can only be diagnosed post-death. Conrad Dobler, once dubbed the NFL's dirtiest player, had CTE when he died back in 2023. Dobler (left) was diagnosed with Stage 3 of the disease, his family announced on Wednesday. Football players are at risk to CTE, which leads to symptoms such as depression and aggressive behavior, as it is largely caused by repeated blows to the head.

The family of late Tennessee Titans player Frank Wycheck announced last month that he had CTE after his death in 2023 at age 52, while former Packers quarterback Brett Favre recently admitted he is 'frightened' about whether he also has it after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last year. Dobler, an All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl guard, was diagnosed with Stage 3 CTE after his death. There are only four stages of the disease.

He is said to have been passionate about CTE research before his passing, even pledging to donate his brain in 2010 at the age of 59. The Chicago native started 125 of his 129 games with the St. Louis Cardinals (1972-77), New Orleans Saints (1978-79) and Buffalo Bills (1980-81). On July 25, 1977, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated with the title 'Pro Football's Dirtiest Player.'. Infamous stories about the feisty offensive lineman included punching Joe Greene, spitting on Bill Bergey and kicking Merlin Olsen in the head.