An estimated 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The research, conducted by Boston University, Mass General Brigham and the Concussion & CTE Foundation, represents the first comprehensive effort to determine CTE prevalence among deceased former NFL players. CTE is a neurodegenerative brain disease tied to high-impact sports and is diagnosable only after death.
The study analyzed 2,362 cases, combining data from 396 players who donated their brains and National Death Index records of 1,966 deceased players who did not. Nearly 94% of donated brains showed CTE. Donors were more likely to be white, die younger, and have played longer in the NFL. Lead author Julia Gallini called the 75% estimate concerning and emphasized the need to support families and develop ways to diagnose and treat CTE during life.
Researchers cautioned that the findings apply only to deceased players and do not predict CTE prevalence in living NFL players. The study also does not address college or youth football. Past CTE research has faced criticism for selection bias due to reliance on brains donated by symptomatic players. The NFL stated it continuously strives to make football safer, while the NFL Players Association called such studies critical to understanding football's long-term impacts.
ESPN's Mark Fainaru-Wada contributed to this report.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing