BOSTON -- There is new evidence linking brain damage to concussions. As NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Tuesday, the report suggests football players should take concussions seriously.

When players take to the field on Super Bowl Sunday in Tampa, Fla., they may be more concerned than ever about the long-term effects of concussions.

"We're finding 10 or 20 years after players stop playing football the thousands of hits to the head they've taken have started a degenerative process that's killing brain cells," said Chris Nowinski, a former World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler who was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome.

Nowinski has been the driving force behind getting football players to donate their brains to science. Boston University School of Medicine has been investigating the brains of former players who suffered concussions and recently died. The new report reveals how high the stakes are for athletes.

"We found the six cases of progressive-type of brain disease of another NFL player. That makes six out of six that we've examined," Nowinski said.

Researchers also discovered early evidence of brain damage in an 18-year-old football player, the youngest to date.

"Not only is it a problem for NFL players, but for the 1.5 million kids playing football," Nowinski said.

Nowinski blames his memory and depression problems on repetitive concussions he suffered. Former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson has also gone public about this post-concussion struggles. Both athletes are committed to generating more research about concussions. They will be at the Super Bowl recruiting more former professional athletes to donate their brains to science.

"More athletes have already signed up including two hall of famers. And three more former NFL players who have dementia," Nowinski said.