UNC Football Player Who Ended Up Homeless Had CTE

Posted Mar 8, 2016
For so long, Ryan Hoffman had the same explanation for his inability to get his life on track. “Something is wrong with my brain,” said Hoffman, a former offensive lineman at UNC who ended up a panhandler, homeless, penniless and dependent on drugs and alcohol. Last week, his family learned that Hoffman, who was 41 when he died in November, was right. (New York Times)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - Takeaways From UNC's Defense Following Football Spring Practice
UNC Football has concluded the second spring practice of the Bill Belichick era. Andrew Jones and Jacob Turner of TarHeel247 discuss their takeaways, various news...
Thu Apr 30, 2026

Benjamin Hall Rises As Leader Among UNC Running Backs
There’s a sense of rejuvenation across the North Carolina football program this spring. Running back Benjamin Hall, one of the few experienced veteran returners, senses...
Thu Apr 30, 2026

Video: TarHeel247 Podcast - Takeaways From UNC's Offense Following Football Spring Practice
UNC Football has concluded spring practice. Andrew Jones and Jacob Turner of TarHeel247 discuss their takeaways, various news and notes on what they're hearing, new...
Thu Apr 30, 2026

Lawrence Taylor health update: Hall of Famer 'showing signs of improvement'
New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor was hospitalized on Friday with a reported stomach issue but appears to be turning the corner. That’s according to...
Wed Apr 29, 2026