NFLPA president Eric Winston pledges brain to CTE research

Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Eric Winston will one day donate his brain to research for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease that's been associated with repeated blows to the head.

The current NFLPA president made the announcement Monday as part of the "My Legacy" campaign, indicating that his brain would be pledged to the Concussion Legacy Foundation when he passes away.

"Research on this issue is moving at such a fast pace, but each additional piece of scientific data helps inform players about the risks and allows us to make decisions about making the game safer," Winston said.

"Ultimately, I want to be a part of that process that helps the next generation of athletes at all levels have a greater understanding of what science says about head trauma and hopefully that will lead to better treatment and prevention."

Winston, 32, will soon enter his third year as the president of the players union.

Asked what he wanted his legacy to be, Winston spoke of helping other players and leaving the game having helped make improvements.

"First, I want to be known as a player who did the right thing and approached my career in a way that helped other players," Winston said. "I love the game of football and all that it has done for me and my family, but when I look back years from now, it is important that other players appreciate the positions we are taking to make things better for them.

"Hopefully I’ll be using my brain for a lot longer - I’m hoping I get another 60 years out of it. But if contributing to this research can just help move the needle some, then I will leave the game better than I found it. I really believe in that."

Winston has spent time with four different teams over the course of his 10-year NFL career thus far, including each of the past two in a Bengals uniform.