Mike Webster

Michael Lewis Webster (March 18, 1952 – September 24, 2002) was an American professional football player. He was a center in the National Football League (NFL) from 1974 to 1990 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.^[1] He was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

Pittsburgh Steelers' center Mike Webster pictured in an offensive play against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl XIV

Webster was the first former NFL player diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).^[2] Since his death, he has become a symbol for head injuries in the NFL and the ongoing debate over player safety.^[3]

Webster died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 24, 2002 at the age of 50 of a heart attack caused by CTE.