Raiders Legend Diagnosed With Dementia at 47 - Can’t Speak, But Still Remembers Playing for Las Vegas
Oakland, CA – The NFL world was shrouded in sorrow this week following reports that one of the most iconic former players of the Oakland Raiders has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia. At just 47 years old, the condition has already robbed him of his memory and ability to speak clearly.
According to family sources, the former Raiders player has recently been moved to a long-term care facility outside Oakland. The decision came after his symptoms worsened, leaving him in need of constant medical supervision and daily cognitive support.
His wife shared an emotional statement: “He can’t speak anymore. He only remembers our daughter’s name and that he once played football. He doesn’t even know my name. Doctors say it’s Frontotemporal Dementia, but he’s far too young. I believe constant head trauma from CTE caused it.”
That former Raiders player is Sebastian Janikowski, the legendary kicker known as "Seabass." Drafted in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft, Janikowski spent 18 seasons with the Raiders, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 1,799 points. His powerful leg produced numerous record-breaking kicks, including a 63-yard field goal in 2011 – the longest in NFL history at the time – and earned him four Pro Bowl selections (2010, 2011, 2012, 2016).
Renowned for his strength, accuracy, and larger-than-life personality, Janikowski was a cornerstone of the Raiders’ special teams, contributing to memorable moments under coaches like Jon Gruden and providing a reliable boot during the team’s turbulent years. His consistency and flair made him a beloved figure in Raider Nation.
Over the years, Janikowski became a symbol of durability and flair in Oakland. But now, those who once played beside him are watching the toughest man they knew face the cruelest battle of all – a fight against his own fading memory.
Across Raider Nation, tributes have poured in from teammates and fans. A former teammate said: “Seabass carried us with every kick. He never gave up – and we won’t give up on him now.”
The same courage that defined his career now defines his fight. Even as the disease takes its toll, those closest to him say his spirit remains unbroken – the heart of a champion who still embodies everything it means to be a Raider.
BREAKING: Steelers Have Found Darius Slay's Replacement
The Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary has been a major disappointment through the first seven weeks of the 2025 NFL season. Despite bringing in veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay during the offseason, the results have been underwhelming, with the duo failing to make a significant impact.
After what was arguably the secondary's worst performance of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network projected that the Steelers will look to address their secondary next offseason through the draft. In his latest mock draft, Cummings predicts that the Steelers will select Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy in the first round.
"Unexpected circumstances have positioned the Steelers as the favorites to win the AFC North and secure a postseason berth in 2025, but there’s still work to be done before this team can become a sustained contender," Cummings wrote. "Adding youth at cornerback is one of the key moves. Joey Porter Jr. has had his struggles, and Darius Slay is a short-term solution. McCoy, who resembles Slay in many ways, could be the answer. Although he’s not playing in 2025, his 2024 tape is elite, showcasing his impressive man-coverage ability."
Slay was added on a one-year, $10 million deal, and the Steelers could look to add McCoy to play opposite Porter on the outside next season. Ramsey could still play a pivotal role as a versatile cornerback, splitting his time between the slot and outside positions.
Could the Steelers Replace Darius Slay with a First-Round CB?
While the idea of the Steelers drafting a cornerback in the first round is intriguing, history suggests it’s not very likely. The team has selected a cornerback in the first round just once in the past 28 years—when they took Artie Burns at No. 25 overall in 2016. That pick was widely criticized, and Burns ultimately failed to live up to expectations, starting just 32 games in four seasons and not earning a second contract.
In 2023, the Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr. at No. 32 overall, but technically, Porter was a second-round pick. While his results have been mixed, he has at least shown starter-level ability. However, the Steelers have paired Porter with aging veterans like Slay in recent seasons, and drafting a first-round cornerback would inject much-needed youth into the secondary.
Jermod McCoy: A Potential Risk for the Steelers
While McCoy is a talented prospect, selecting him in the first round carries some risks. He has not played in the 2025 season due to injury and may not return before the year ends. If McCoy’s season is effectively over, any team selecting him in the first round would be investing in a player who will have been off the field for an entire season.
McCoy started his college career at Oregon State before transferring to Tennessee. In 2024, he recorded 44 combined tackles, nine pass defenses, and four interceptions, showcasing his ability to contribute in a major way. However, the injury question mark will linger, making this a potentially high-reward, but risky, move for the Steelers.
