PUBLISHED by Spectrum News1, Sept. 14, 2021, Written by Sara Genhofer

As our understanding of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) and its effects on athletes, particularly football players, has grown over the years, one local man is sharing a personal story to remind players that injuries from contact sports can have tragic consequences.

Piled on every countertop and coffee table of Frank Dees’ Altamont home is memorabilia, newspaper clippings, and personal photos that show his family’s deep dedication to playing sports.

Dees and his five brothers grew up in Litchfield, Illinois, an hour north of St. Louis, in the 1960s.

“We were very close, so much brotherly love,” says Dees.

From track to baseball to football, the Dees boys were known as an active bunch who often played on the same teams. In 1964, 15-year-old Frank was a sophomore and his older brother Rick was a senior. The pair were on their high school’s football team.

“We were very close in age, about 19 months apart,” says Frank.

In a team photo, Rick is right behind his little brother.

“A senior generally would stay away from a sophomore, but that’s my brother, and he’s right over my shoulder,” Frank said.

After a game one Tuesday night in September, where Rick was tackled on the field, he confided in Frank.

“He said ‘don’t tell mom and dad, but I hurt my head’ and he pointed to his head,” says Frank. “ ‘[If they know], they won’t let me play Saturday.’ Saturday, he ended up playing, and that’s when the second impact occurred.”

The second impact sent Rick to the hospital, where he died a few hours later. While an autopsy showed evidence Rick suffered a previous head injury that led to his death, the details were a mystery to everyone but Frank.

Frank didn’t share what he knew until five decades later, when his mom and dad passed away. While he doesn’t blame his younger self, Frank wants to make sure others know the signs of a concussion and take them seriously.

“Sometimes we have to protect athletes from themselves,” says Frank.

Frank started a non-profit called It’s Just a Game, Inc. He shares his story to educate athletes, coaches, policy makers and sports fans. He’s developed a process for a player to return to play after a head injury that he calls the 5 R’s: Remember Rick Dees, Report, Rest, Rehab and Recover.

The CDC is still learning the causes and long-term effects of CTE. Their guidance aligns with Frank’s philosophy in that responding to sports injuries must be seen as a team effort.

While that tragic night nearly six decades ago may have been Rick’s final game, Frank is seeing to it that it isn’t the end of his brother’s influence.

“His legacy will be love, and I think that from the love of my brother this message helps some people,” says Frank.