About

Born in 1968 in Nigeria, Omalu moved to the United States in the late 1990s to pursue his medical career. In 2002, while working as a forensic pathologist in Pittsburgh, he performed an autopsy on former NFL player Mike Webster and identified degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head injuries. Omalu's findings were controversial and received significant pushback from the National Football League (NFL) and other sports organizations. However, his research eventually gained recognition and sparked a nationwide debate on the long-term consequences of playing football. Omalu's work led to more studies on CTE and brought attention to the risks faced by athletes in contact sports. In addition to his work on CTE, Omalu has made significant contributions to the fields of forensic pathology and neuropathology. He has authored numerous scientific publications and has been involved in high-profile cases, including the investigation into the death of former professional wrestler Chris Benoit. Omalu's life and career were popularized in the 2015 movie "Concussion," in which he was portrayed by actor Will Smith. The film highlighted his struggle against the NFL and his determination to raise awareness about CTE and player safety. Throughout his career, Omalu has faced criticism, but he has also been lauded for his groundbreaking research and advocacy for athletes' health and safety. He has received several awards and honors for his work in the medical field, including the American Medical Association's Distinguished Service Award. Today, Omalu continues to work as a neuropathologist and is actively involved in promoting awareness and prevention of brain injuries in sports.