text: Learning about CTE dampened my appreciation for contact sports. I can still watch football - I'm a lifelong Chiefs fan - but I no longer experience joy upon viewing a crunching tackle delivered to the opposition. Boxing, however, I can't even watch anymore. Knowing what is going on physiologically sucked the joy out of  watching artists like Ali and Leonard display their incredible hand speed and determination. The last time I watched the Thrilla in Manilla, I could only think about the cumulative, permanent damage being inflicted on both fighters.
  
  This is a personal observation - I'm not saying anyone with a different opinion is wrong, and I'm not saying contact sports should be banned. I do think we should be honest about the risks, and then let individuals make their own decisions.