He retired after the 1979 season, having appeared in 83 games and recording 13 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries.
Attorney Larry E. Coben, representing the plaintiffs, stated, "The big issue, for us, is they were told for decades to lead with their heads.
[5][6] Easterling had clinical depression resulting from dementia having "lost the ability to focus, organise his thoughts and relate to people", with the dementia itself the result of the lifetime of head injuries during Easterling's career.
The autopsy by the medical examiner in Richmond, VA found signs "consistent with the findings of chronic traumatic encephalopathy" (CTE), a progressive degenerative disease that can be caused by concussions and has been linked to multiple blows to the head.
[10][11] Easterling's wife of 36 years, Mary Ann Easterling, stated that she would fight to continue the lawsuit despite her husband's death, and will urge the league to establish a fund for players like her husband who suffered traumatic brain injuries from their playing days.