Former New York Jets All-Pro defensive end Mark Gastineau revealed Thursday that he's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and dementia.
In an interview with 710 WOR's Pete McCarthy (h/t the New York Post's Anthony Barstow), Gastineau explained he believes the diseases developed because of the physical, smashmouth style of play that he was taught.
"I learned head, stick and hands," Gastineau said. "When we would hit each other, I mean, you heard pops like a shotgun going off. I led with my head. Head, stick and hands. Lead with your head, then you grab, then you decide which way you're going to go.