BOSTON (CBS) – Former MLS star and current ESPN soccer analyst Taylor Twellman has been very outspoken on the concussion issue, and he had a strong message for Wes Welker Monday morning on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich show.

Twellman suffered eight concussions dating back to age 11 and it forced him to retire early from the sport he loved, and he fears Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker is going down a very dangerous road.

“[Welker] should call it quits. If anything, he should call it quits for twelve months, because science has shown us when you get two concussions in 12 months you are right at the line. But when you get three in less than 12 months it’s mandatory you take one year off.”

When Welker lived in New England he and Twellman were good friends, so Taylor’s concern for Wes is coming from a good place. Taylor was also friends with Junior Seau, and when doctors examined his body after his death they found he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE — a neurodegenerative disease that can lead to dementia, memory loss and depression.

It’s a very serious issue, and Twellman hopes Wes decides to shut it down.

“Wes Welker needs to stop. He needs to stop. He’s had a phenomenal career, but look at his wife; they’re going to have kids and they’re gonna move on. There’s so much more to life than taking another hit coming through the middle, having a linebacker or a cornerback hit you with their shoulder. Look at the helmet he was wearing in the playoffs. If you think the extra large helmet is gonna stop you, who are you kidding?

“I’m scared for him. I’m being one hundred percent honest with you. He knows the answer. It’s 2014. We have the answers now,” Twellman said, hinting about retirement.

Twellman also called out the NFL for not doing enough to prevent players from returning too early from head injuries.

Listen below for the full conversation:

