The devastating hit that defined a career and changed a life
In short: In 1991, Leonard Marshall delivered a blow so violent it sidelined Joe Montana for nearly two years. While the hit cemented Marshall's legacy as an elite defender, it also became a symbol of the physical toll on the game—a reality he now faces personally through a chronic brain disease.
Leonard Marshall was a cornerstone of the New York Giants' defense for a decade, eventually ranking third in team history with 79.5 sacks. His peak arrived in the mid-1980s when he was named NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year twice (1985 and 1986). During this era, he formed a formidable pass rush alongside Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, helping lead the Giants to two Super Bowl championships.
The defining moment of his career occurred during the 1991 NFC championship game. Marshall's hit on quarterback Joe Montana resulted in a bruised sternum, cracked ribs, and a broken hand for Montana, who was forced out of the game and did not play another regular season game until December 1992. While lauded as one of the most devastating hits in sports history, it serves as a stark example of the high-impact collisions that have come under intense scrutiny.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition caused by recurring head impacts, was identified in Marshall during 2013. He first noticed symptoms like memory loss and mood swings in 2006, which significantly impacted his personal life and marriage. Since his diagnosis, he has become a prominent advocate for concussion awareness, serving on the board of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and founding the Game Plan Foundation to support former athletes.
Marshall's advocacy extends to medical treatment; since 2016, he has used cannabidiol (CBD) to manage CTE symptoms. He argues that cannabis can serve as a safer alternative to opioids for players dealing with head trauma-related pain. Despite his outspoken nature on these issues, Marshall remains deeply connected to the Giants, having signed a ceremonial contract in 1996 to ensure he could retire as a member of the franchise that molded him.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Leonard Marshall
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