TBI in Sports and the Hidden Risk of Sex and Pornography Addiction: Implications for the NFL
By: Jessica Jordan, Kim Perry, Ed.D.
August 13, 2025
The issue of pornography and sex addiction, and its wide-ranging impacts, has been openly discussed by public football figures including Terry Crews (Los Angeles Rams), Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), Steve Weatherford (New York Giants), and Dave Canales (head coach, Carolina Panthers).
Research on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and behavioral change offers insight into why concussed men may be more vulnerable to pornography addiction and other risky sexual behaviors. Brain injuries have also been associated with the development of compulsive behaviors, (Oliverio et al., 2020).
Even mild concussions have been linked to increased impulsivity, social disinhibition, and risky health habits. As a result of changes in neural pathways, there can be disruption in emotion and decision-making, fueling aggression, poor judgment, and inappropriate sexual behavior (Rigon et al., 2024; Kim et al., 2025).
For athletes, a hit on the field can trigger changes that affect relationships, marriage, self-control in every-day settings, and drastically impact employment. And these changes may not be immediate. Sometimes they surface years after the injury.
Studies have pointed to the risk of sexual and pornography addiction dating back to 2008 when scientists found hypersexual behavior following craniocerebral trauma, (Eghwrudjakpor, 2008)
It is well accepted that player trauma has implications for colleagues, employers, and family members of those experiencing mental and behavioral changes.
For NFL leaders, the takeaway is clear. Managing players’ neurological health is not just about preventing physical injuries. It is about understanding and mitigating long-term behavioral risks that can affect lives and careers. That includes pornography and sexual addiction.
This is a new frontier and together we can save relationships, careers, and lives. Sexual behavior changes post-TBI are complex and require a compassionate, informed approach (Ponsford et al., 2013). The tools and understanding exist now to change lives.
Breaking the Silence
The first step is talking about this problem.
Men often suffer in silence, unaware that their sexual behaviors are not simply about willpower or bad habits.
There may be neurological root causes. Emotional barriers and stigmas often prevent individuals from getting help and making lasting change. Today there are evidence-based tools and programs that can help like Leap of Courage, a safe compassionate program for recovery.
What former player turned actor Terry Crews once called a “dirty little secret,” needs to be accepted as a genuine concern in men’s health.
Without bringing this issue into the open, we allow the people we work with, coach, and love to fight an incredibly difficult battle alone. Pornography addiction can be as challenging to overcome as cocaine addiction without proper intervention.
By working with the brain’s neurobiology, addressing root causes, emotions, patterns, and using trauma-informed therapy, there is hope for athletes, military veterans, and anyone who has experienced TBI.
For more information about Jessica Jordan’s work to help men recover, or to have her speak at events, email: [email protected]
References
Canales, D. (2023, August 1). Walking together: A couple’s journey through pornography addiction, infidelity, and binge drinking. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/94ea9914feda7beee058d6c03a87379a
Crews, T. (2016, February 10). Terry Crews on porn addiction: It really messed up my life. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/terry-crews-porn-addiction-ruined-life/story?id=37186200
Eghwrudjakpor, P. O. E. (2008). Hypersexuality and traumatic brain injury: A report of three cases. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 11(2), 158–161.
Kim, Y., Lee, J., Park, S., & Choi, K. (2025). Association between mild traumatic brain injury and negative changes in health behavior: A nationwide cross-sectional study. Nature Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1432. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83920-4
Oliverio, A., Casacchia, M., Roncone, R., & Pollice, R. (2020). Problematic pornography use in neuropsychiatric disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 127, 70–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.04.004
Ponsford, J., Sloan, S., & Snow, P. (2013). Traumatic brain injury: Rehabilitation for everyday adaptive living (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.
Rigon, A., Duff, M. C., McAuley, E., Kramer, A. F., & Voss, M. W. (2024). Behavioral and social changes after traumatic brain injury: The role of the uncinate fasciculus. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 18, 1326115. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1326115
Roethlisberger, B. (2022, January 31). NFL star Ben Roethlisberger’s porn addiction and how he fought it with faith. Faithwire. https://www.faithwire.com/2022/01/31/nfl-star-ben-roethlisbergers-porn-addiction-and-how-he-fought-it-with-faith
Sahler, C. S. (2012). Neurobehavioral consequences of traumatic brain injury. Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, 18(3), 606–619. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.CON.0000415436.78588.66
Weatherford, S. (2021, June 17). Former NFL punter Steve Weatherford shares how he overcame pornography addiction. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/former-punter-beat-porn-addiction-2021-6
