What happened to Conrad Dobler? Brain study shows former NFL player once dubbed "Pro Football's Dirtiest Player" had CTE

Conrad Dobler, a former offensive lineman in the NFL, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or C.T.E. after he died in 2023. Dobler was an offensive lineman for the St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills during his 10-year career.

The findings came from the researchers at the Boston University CTE Center who have diagnosed repeated head trauma in many football players over the years. Dobler played in the NFL from 1972 to 1981 and was 72 at the time of his death.

After Conrad Dobler died in February 2023, his brain was donated to the Boston University CTE Center for research. He was found to have Stage 3 CTE., a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma.

CTE, which can be diagnosed only after a person’s death, is known to trigger cognitive decline, memory loss, emotional instability, and changes in behavior.

Dobler had a subtype of the disorder known as cortical sparing CTE, in which behavioral symptoms tend to appear sooner but cognitive decline is somewhat milder. According to USA Today, in recent years, he suffered from memory loss, mood swings , and problems with decision-making, symptoms consistent with CTE.

Dobler’s daughter, Erin Lewin, expressed her thoughts and emotions related to her father's diagnosis. She said:

“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.”

In a 2016 interview, Conrad Dobler himself admitted that his memory and cognitive ability had deteriorated, he stated:

“I have six kids, I don’t even know their names. It kind of pisses me off because I prided myself on having such a wonderful memory.”

Conrad Dobler’s legacy that raises awareness

A three-time Pro Bowl choice, Conrad Dobler became widely known for his physical and, at times, controversial style of play. In 1977, Sports Illustrated put Dobler on its cover with the headline “Pro Football’s Dirtiest Player,” a label he embraced, later writing an autobiography titled "They Call Me Dirty.”

He played left guard on a dominant Cardinals offensive line with the Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf, Dobler played an important role in protecting quarterbacks and creating opportunities for his team.

Dr. Ann McKee, the director of the Boston University CTE Center, appreciated the contribution of Conrad Dobler in enabling the growth and understanding of the disorder. She said:

“With continued support from the NFL player community, we will eventually be able to prevent future families from suffering the indignities and pain of CTE.”

In 2010, Dobler promised that his brain would be donated to research for a better understanding of CTE and to understand why things turn out the way they do for former athletes.

His case now adds to the mounting evidence that connects repeated head trauma in football with long-term neurological problems.