Utecht expands music career, memory still hurting
CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 02: Ben Utecht #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals is brought down by Brian Williams #29 Jacksonville Jaguars after making a reception at Paul Brown Stadium November 2, 2008 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew …
Posted: 05/23/2012
CINCINNATI - Ben Utecht is writing songs for his next album, the latest step in making the rare transition from professional athlete to musical artist. The former Colts and Bengals tight end is doing it while still recovering from five documented concussions during his football career.
Utecht had to retire after a major concussion in training camp before the 2009 season. His memory hasn't fully recovered.
Utecht tells The Associated Press that he still has moments when he can't remember an event, such as a friend's wedding. He has read about other former players whose memory problems get worse, and it makes him sad and concerned.
More than 1,000 former players have sued the league over their conditions. Utecht hasn't sued, but he has a pending grievance against the Bengals.
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