Ex-NHLer Greg Johnson Posthumously Diagnosed With CTE After 2019 Death

Ex-NHLer Greg Johnson — who tragically took his own life in 2019 — has been posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, in the latest disturbing case of the progressive degenerative disease seen in some former players.

The former Nashville Predators captain spent 12 seasons in the NHL from 1993 to 2006 with stops in Detroit, Pittsburgh, Chicago and, of course, Nashville.

The findings were revealed by the Johnson family as well as the Concussion Legacy Foundation, an organization that according to its website aims to "end CTE through prevention and research," and followed a post-mortem brain tissue analysis.

Dr. Ann McKee made the diagnosis but was unable to determine what stage the disease had progressed to.

"This diagnosis took my breath away," Johnson's widow, Kristin, said in a statement released by the Concussion Legacy Foundation. "Greg’s death shattered our world, and we never once thought this disease was something he struggled with. He experienced very few symptoms that we knew of, but he spoke of his concussions often. I remember the exact moment he told me his heart condition forcing him to retire was a blessing because he couldn’t take another hit. He knew his hockey career had a profound impact on his brain."

Former NHLer Greg Johnson has been posthumously diagnosed with CTE following his 2019 death. (Getty Images)

The Concussion Legacy Foundation made sure to note that the diagnosis doesn't mean that CTE led Johnson to commit suicide, though traumatic brain injuries have been linked to suicides even when CTE is not present.

Furthermore, 17 of 18 brains of former NHLers that have been studied including Steve Montador, Bob Probert, and Henri Richard have shown signs of CTE. However, they did note that the results may have some bias to them because families chose to donate the brains after the player showed signs of CTE while they were still alive.

"I had no idea what CTE even stood for when my dad took his life," Johnson's daughter, Carson, said. "Now understanding that the hits he endured throughout his hockey career damaged his brain, I want all athletes to understand the risks and I want the NHL to start acknowledging it exists and do more to protect its players so other daughters don't have to lose their fathers."

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).