Christopher Nowinski

Chris nowinski

Christopher Nowinski (born September 24, 1978) is an American author, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, and a former professional wrestler. He is known for his work in raising awareness about the dangers of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Early Life and Education

Christopher Nowinski was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He attended Harvard University, where he played football and graduated with a degree in sociology.

Professional Wrestling Career

Nowinski began his professional wrestling career in 2001 with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He participated in the first season of the reality television series WWE Tough Enough, where he was a runner-up. He made his WWE debut in 2002 under the ring name "Chris Harvard." Nowinski's wrestling career was cut short due to multiple concussions, leading to his retirement in 2003.

Concussion Advocacy

After retiring from professional wrestling, Nowinski became an advocate for concussion awareness. He co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation in 2007, an organization dedicated to advancing the study, treatment, and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups. Nowinski has been instrumental in bringing attention to the long-term effects of concussions and CTE, particularly in contact sports like American football and professional wrestling.

Publications

Nowinski authored the book Head Games: Football's Concussion Crisis in 2006, which explores the impact of concussions on athletes and the need for better safety measures. The book was later adapted into a documentary film, Head Games, directed by Steve James.

Personal Life

Christopher Nowinski is married and resides in Boston, Massachusetts. He continues to be actively involved in research and advocacy related to brain injuries.

See Also

• Concussion
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
• Concussion Legacy Foundation
• WWE Tough Enough
• Head Games (2012 film)