Former New York Jets legend Mark Gastineau is suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, a trifecta of debilitating diseases, per New York Daily News.
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Gastineau, a 60-year-old retired NFL player, has linked his diagnosis to football.
He believes knowing the proper techniques and not playing recklessly would have ensured he wouldn't be in the position he is now, per the report:
"I know that there's techniques out there that if I would have had 'em, if I would have had the techniques out there that I'm teaching now to these kids, I know I would not be probably...I know I wouldn't have the results that I have now," he said on the radio.
"I led with my head all the time."
Gastineau played 10 years for the Jets as a member of the "New York Sack Exchange," and was enshrined into the team's Ring of Honor in 2012.
He finished his career with 107 starts in 137 games and 74 sacks.
He helped the Jets to the playoffs four times, was a member of the First Team All-Pro three times (1982, '83 and '84) and went to five Pro Bowls. He was named to the Pro Football Reference Second Team All-1980s.
