Chicago Bear Chris Conte says playing in NFL worth health risks

CHICAGO (KGO) -- Chicago Bear and former Cal defensive back Chris Conte isn't letting all the talk about the dangers of playing football affect him.

The hard hitting safety told a Chicago radio station that playing the game means so much to him that he's willing to do it even if it's bad for his long-term health.

Conte told WBBM Radio, "I'd rather have the experience of playing in the NFL and die 10 to 15 years earlier than not play in the NFL and have a long life."

Conte is well aware of the risks of playing football. This year alone he's suffered 2 concussions and has had injuries to his back, a shoulder and an eye.