Ralph Wenzel (guard)

Ralph Richard Wenzel was an American professional football player who was a guard for seven seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers.

Early onset of dementia

Wenzel's name gained notoriety in late 2009, when Wenzel's wife, Dr. Eleanor Perfetto, testified on Wenzel's dementia. Perfetto testified that Wenzel's football career probably had a causal effect with his dementia.
Wenzel was later confirmed to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He is one of at least 345 NFL players to be diagnosed after death with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is caused by repeated hits to the head.