ALLEN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) -- Lions defensive tackle Haloti Ngata told reporters Thursday that he wanted to have his brain checked out prior to the start of the 2017 season.
"I went and talked with a neurologist, make sure my head was all good," Ngata explained. "He said everything was pretty good. Really good, actually, so I said 'all right, I'm good to keep on playing.'"
Ngata said it was important for him to visit a neurologist because of instances of brain-related issues across the NFL.
"You hear that stuff, and...me especially, I don't want to have problems (when I get) older. I want to be able to raise my kids and play with them when they're older, and still be able to beat 'em in wrestling matches and stuff."
Ngata credits learning proper technique as a factor in helping prolong his career.
"You learn as you get older. I used my head a lot more when I was younger, but I think that was just being young. And then you start to learn how to use your hands better and position yourself better. So I think for me it was just a process of getting better."
