Former Dolphins star Mark Duper tests positive for signs of CTE

Mark Duper played 11 seasons with the Dolphins. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Mark Duper learned he is the latest ex-NFL player to test positive for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, according to CBS Sports.

Duper, 54, confirmed Friday night he learned of the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment Friday afternoon after undergoing two days of tests at UCLA two weeks ago.

CTE is the latest challenge for the three-time Pro Bowler who survived kidney cancer two years ago.

"It is what it is," Duper told CBS Sports. "I'm thinking back on my life and where I am going with this. I have to deal with it and make the best of it. It does make me think of the future and how things are gonna change."

Three other former NFL stars were diagnosed with CTE this week. Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett and Joe DeLamielleure, and former All-Pro defensive lineman Leonard Marshall were revealed to show signs of the condition caused by head trauma, with links to dementia and depression, according to an ESPN report.

MMQB: Special Series: Head trauma in football

Duper caught 511 passes for 8,869 yards and 59 touchdowns and was named All-Pro twice in 11 seasons with the Dolphins. He was inducted along with Mark Clayton into the Dolphins honor roll in 2003.

Duper told CBS Sports he has no regrets on playing the sport, and has come to recognize symptoms of CTE in recent years.

"I don't have any regrets about playing," Duper said. "I made a good living off football and I'm still making a living off it. You can't regret something you enjoyed, something you love and I loved football." "Hopefully, this can put things into perspective for younger players," Duper added. "The rules are changing--the rules have changed. Players should get themselves tested."

Duper said he had noticed some warning signs in recent years with some anger issues. He also said there are times when he'd go to a store and forget why he went there. He said he plans on beginning oxygen therapy treatment in the next few weeks. The former NFL star hopes he can help raise awareness about the issue.