National Football League

Ex-NFLer Gay worried over concussions

Published May. 29, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

After seven NFL seasons with the Patriots and Saints, cornerback Randall Gay said he fears for his long-term health after multiple concussions forced him to walk away from the game last year, the Boston Herald reported Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Gay wanted to return to the NFL in 2011 after he was placed on injured reserve the previous season while with the Saints but said the damage concussions caused to his brain meant physical activity left him with headaches, nausea and dizziness.

A year later, the two-time Super Bowl winner was released by New Orleans and opted to retire -- but still suffers from post-concussion syndrome.

Gay told the newspaper, "I can't play anymore. I wish I could, but I'm still having symptoms from concussions. I wanted to try again, but I can't really do anything. Hard, physical activities, I get headaches and nauseous and dizzy and stuff. I'd still like a chance in the NFL, but it's not worth it."

The former cornerback said he was particularly affected by the suicide of former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, 43, on May 2.

Gay said he finds himself wandering around his home without knowing what he is doing.

"That was real scary because I know what he's feeling. Some days, you just walk around, and you don't know what you're walking around for. I just catch myself walking around the house with no intention, like, 'What am I doing?' Just walking up and down. I'm guessing that's the depressing feeling you get. But Junior, that hurt a lot. A lot."

More than 2,000 former NFL players have filed dozens of lawsuits against the NFL, claiming the league purposely withheld information on the long-term effects of concussions. The NFL has denied the accusations.