I had many rewarding experiences during my football career, many of which are documented in NFL Films and in highlight videos. As I look back, I have to say that one of the most gratifying roles I experiences was this one: I was Tom McHale�s coach at Cornell University.

Tom was a rare breed � he put education ahead of athletics. After two years at the University of Maryland,
Tom gave up his athletic scholarship and transferred to Cornell, where he enrolled in the university�s outstanding hotel school and captained Cornell�s Division I-AA football team.

At 6�4 and 240 pounds, Tom towered over many of our players at Cornell. His level of talent elevated the ability of his teammates. Our opponents often focused on him, freeing other defensive linemen to make plays. And despite the attention opponents paid to Tom, he achieved AP Division I-AA First Team and All-Ivy honors in 1986. He was also runner-up for Ivy League Player of the Year the same year.

Those of you who�ve coached know the challenges coaches face, particularly in dealing with off-the-field issues. In college � even in the Ivy League � players sometimes skipped class, failed courses, broke curfew, or got themselves in difficult personal situations. Tom was never one of those players.

He was responsible. He was dedicated. He was steady. He was a leader.

Tom went on to a nine-year career in the NFL, playing for the Buccaneers, Eagles and Dolphins from 1987 to 1995. After he retired, he opened several successful restaurants in Florida.

In 2008, Tom died of an accidental drug overdose and in 2009, we learned that he was one of the casualties of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Sports medicine has come a long way since I played football at Georgia Tech and in the NFL. We know now that concussions are a serious matter. We know much more about treating concussions and about preventing concussions. And we know better how to protect players.

Lately some folks have questioned whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was right to suspend team officials and coaches for turning a blind eye to a bounty system that placed a price on players� heads.

They�re wrong.

I can tell you that Roger Goodell is the only league or union official who has tackled the issues. Others ignored evidence that concussions had consequences. Others denied disability benefits for injured players. Others blamed players themselves for their fate. Roger Goodell acted.

I commend the Commissioner for taking decisive action. To date, nearly 25 former NFL players have lost their lives to CTE. As far as I�m concerned, if there�s anything we can do to prevent other athletes from suffering the fate of Tom McHale, I�m all for it. 

Maxie Baughan
Board member, Fourth & Goal
Philadelphia Eagles, 1960 � 1965
Los Angeles Rams, 1966 � 1970
Washington Redskins, 1974
Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Colts, 1975 � 1979
Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions, 1980 � 1982
Head Football Coach, Cornell University, 1983 � 1989
Linebackers Coach, Minnesota Vikings, 1990 � 1991
Linebackers Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1992 � 1995
Linebackers Coach, Baltimore Ravens, 1996 � 1998

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