Ray Easterling: Death of Former Atlanta Falcons DB Ruled a Suicide

Just days after his death, it has been ruled that former Atlanta Falcons defensive back Ray Easterling committed suicide on Thursday, according to A.J. Perez of Fox Sports.

Easterling, who was 62 at the time of his death, died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Richmond, Va. police captain Yvonne Crowder. Easterling was a ninth-round pick of the Falcons in 1972, and he played for the team until retiring in 1979.

Easterling played 83 games, making all 14 of his starts in the 1976 season. He collected 13 interceptions in his career.

He may have gained more recognition in retirement than during his playing days, as he was one of more than 1,000 former players who sued the NFL over head injuries suffered during their respective careers. 

According to Perez, Easterling had long been dealing with depression and insomnia, and he was diagnosed with dementia in March 2011.

Easterling is the latest former NFL player to commit suicide after dealing with severe health problems stemming from head trauma. Former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Terry Long both did so over the past couple of years, according to Perez.

Easterling's death is yet another startling reminder of the long-term effects of head injuries and why it is so important for the NFL to continue to protect players against them.

As tragic as Easterling's death is, it will likely only strengthen the cases of the players who are suing the NFL for compensation. Concussions have resulted in severe mental problems for many former players, and that was the unfortunate case with Easterling.

Head injuries in the NFL are a hot-button issue at the moment, and as long as more and more of these stories come to light, this issue won't be going away any time soon.