Lincoln Southeast student studies effects of CTE and shows classmates a safer way to play football

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – When a Southeast Lincoln high school class was asked to become pop-culture experts on a topic of their choice, one student used his curiosity for football player Antonio Brown, to show his classmates a safer way to play the game.

Senior Tony Walbrecht told Channel 8 on Thursday, that when considering what topic he would choose to research for his senior literature elective, he wanted to figure out what happened to Antonio Brown’s career.

“Growing up, I watched Antonio Brown play and it really made me want to play football,” said Walbrecht.

Brown, is a former wide receiver for the Pittsburg Steelers, and super bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He ultimately earned 7 Pro Bowl selections and was highly revered.

But then suddenly, everything changed and Brown had a public fall from glory.

He demonstrated erratic behavior, threw public outbursts, and became involved in alleged criminal activity; a stark contrast to the man fans came to know and love.

Walbrecht noticed the difference.

“He basically freaked out,” he said.

Many wondered whether Brown is suffering from Chronic Brain Encephalopathy, more commonly known as CTE; a brain disease caused by repeated head injuries.

So, when Walbrecht’s teacher, Mrs. Chelsea Meritt-Merboth tasked students to explore a pop culture phenomenon, Wahlberg knew exactly which subject he’d focus on.

What happened to Antonio Brown? Meritt-Merboth approved the idea right away.

“It is very relevant and it’s actually something that has been more recently sort of discovered,” said Meritt-Merboth.

It also fit the goal of her course.

“The purpose of the class is for students to understand how we as consumers ultimately drive what becomes popular,” she said.

“I want them to know that the things that they think are important are valuable and should be shared with others.”

Students gave 20-minute presentations on this subject, then conducted an activity with the rest of the class.

Walbrecht decided to organize a safer version of the sport, flag football.

“I just thought it would be fun, and kind of show people who maybe don’t know a lot about football how you can play without, you know, getting injured most of the time,” he said.

He came up with the rules and borrowed equipment from supportive staff, like Ms. Healy and Ms. Graham.

Then, his fellow students gathered on a cold November day to safely enjoy the game.

“You know, in normal football, you have to tackle someone to get them down and you’re wearing gear, but in flag football, your goal is not to tackle them or bring them down. It’s just to grab the flag,” said Walbrecht.

Adding that, “you’re not wearing all this protective gear. So, you’re not trying to hurt someone.”

His classmate’s reaction was positive.

“Overall, a lot of people had fun with it. Just being able to get out of the classroom, especially,” said Walbrecht.

“My buddy Jake really had a good time, a really good time. He said it was the best day he’s ever had in class.”

And after nearly 20 years of teaching, Merrit-Merboth said, “I know it can’t always be fun, but to be able to teach a class like this, just is the highlight of my career.”

The payoff was evident.

“I definitely learned how hard it is to teach a class about like a topic. Coming into it, what I thought was pop culture and what Mrs. Merboth thought was pop culture was two different things. But, being able to combine them and kind of, do our own stuff – but then she teaches us new stuff – is really nice,” said Walbrecht.

Adding, “So I think it’s a really good class.”

Other topics in the class range from The Kardashian family to the evolution of the Save the Whales movement.

Meritt-Merboth also told channel 8 that ultimately, it’s how people come together that creates pop culture in the first place and in a digital age, giving students back some ownership of learning is really important.