Ex-NFL RB LenDale White estimates he suffered 20-30 concussions

Former NFL running back LenDale White estimates he suffered 20-30 concussions during his playing career.

White was a star at USC, former a successful duo with Reggie Bush on the Trojans. He then became a 1,00-yard rusher with the Titans in the NFL, teaming with Chris Johnson.

White was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times’ Zach Helfand recently as a preview to this weekend’s USC-Texas game, which has invited memories and references to the 2006 Rose Bowl featuring the two programs. The former running back talked about what his life has been like in the years since his playing days ended.

White has gone through some ups-and-downs in the past few years, and he now uses marijuana regularly to help deal with the pain and issues he endures daily as a result of his football career. He said in the interview that he thinks he suffered around 20-30 concussions during his playing career, even though only one was diagnosed.

Here’s how he described the experiences of feeling concussed:

“You lose consciousness and then all of a sudden it’s like shoooo-ooooof,” White said, describing the concussion to Helfand. “Like, that’s how it sounds, like shhhhhhloooof, and then all of a sudden you hear the play again.”

White was more of a bruiser than a small, shifty-type back, which resulted in him taking a lot of hits. He said he had to be directed by Vince Young and lined back up for plays.

This sort of tale is common among former players, and it’s a big reason why the NFL is trying to heighten awareness for head injuries.