The family of former USC safety Kevin Ellison will donate his brain to Boston University researchers who study repetitive head trauma in athletes and military personnel.
Ellison, 31, died last week after being hit by a car while walking along the 5 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley. The two-time All-Pac-10 selection who played briefly for the San Diego Chargers struggled with mental health issues for several years.
Chris Ellison said the family “asked that question” of whether there was a link between his brother’s mental health problems and the hard hits he delivered on the football field.