A group of 70 former NFLers recently gathered for a viewing of Columbia Pictures' "Concussion" at a viewing arranged by the NFLPA, and THE MMQB's Emily Kaplan documented the reactions they had while watching the film. A number of "audible gasps swept through the theater" anytime Dr. Bennet Omalu, played by Will Smith, mentioned the ages of former players Mike Webster, Terry Long, Justin Strzelczyk, Andre Waters and Dave Duerson, who "all died before the age of 51." One former player booed Roger Goodell (played by Luke Wilson) the first time he appeared on screen." while a few men "buried their heads each time Omalu approached an autopsy table." Former No. 2 overall draft pick Keith McCants said, "I watch this movie and I know we were paid to hurt people. We were paid to give concussions. If we knew that we were killing people, I would have never put on the jersey." Terry Bolar, who played three years, said, "When you watch that movie, you see how much the NFL resembles tobacco companies." Six-year vet Chris Goode added, "The information is out there, with or without this movie. What the movie might do is open the public’s eyes to what is going on. The public has been lagging behind." Former Bears and Raiders WR Willie Gault: "Every single football player in this country -- NFL, college, high school, youth -- needs to see this movie. If I had seen it while I was a player, I think I still would have played football, but I would have played it differently. I would have had a different mindset." NFLPA Atlanta Chapter Treasurer Ken Parker told the group beforehand, "We don’t endorse the film; we just knew it would be of interest to former players. So here it is. But as you watch, remember, knowledge is power" (MMQB.SI.com, 12/9).
