Former NFL Player Mark Gastineau Says He Has Dementia, Parkinson’s

Mark Gastineau, a former National Football League player, revealed in a radio interview Thursday that he has dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Gastineau, who played for the New York Jets from 1979 to 1988, said the conditions are a result of his NFL play. “It’s something that I want every player that goes out and plays to be protected in the best way they can be protected,” he said on WOR, in an often rambling interview. “Unfortunately, my self took over me... and I lost. My self was overpowering. I mean, I thought I was better than... you know.” Gastineau also promoted USA Football’s “Heads Up Football” program, which teaches young players how to avoid the devastating health effects.