In 2011, three former 49ers — center Forrest Blue and running backs Joe Perry and John Henry Johnson — died after suffering from dementia-related complications their families believe were connected to their NFL careers.
Blue, who was 65, had struggled with hallucinations for more than 15 years. And ex-safety Ronnie Lott indicated Wednesday that Perry, who was 84, finished his life without basic necessities; a scene Lott says has become too frequent for ex-49ers.
“When I saw Joe ‘The Jet’ Perry not having things that he should have,” Lott said. “… And we’ve seen more of it.