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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
High CTE Prevalence Revealed in NFL Brain Study
A new study led by Boston University researchers has found that nearly 75% of former National Football League (NFL) players who died between 2008 and 2023 were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open, bringing renewed focus to brain injury risks associated with professional football.
Understanding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
CTE is a neurodegenerative disease discovered in individuals exposed to repeated blows to the head, such as football players, athletes in other contact sports, military members, and first responders. The disease can only be definitively diagnosed after death, and its symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, aggression, depression, and progressive dementia.
Key Findings from the NFL Brain Donation Study
The Boston University study examined data from 387 former NFL players who died during a 16-year span. Of these, 362 were found to have some form of CTE, representing 94% of the brain donors. However, researchers adjusted this figure to account for selection bias: former players with symptoms suggestive of CTE are more likely to donate their brains for research, a factor known as selection bias.
Lead author Julia Gallini explained that “with CTE consistently found in less than 1% of donors to community brain banks, an estimated 75% prevalence among NFL players who died over a 16-year period is concerning, and suggests we need to increase efforts to support families, diagnose CTE during life, and treat CTE-related symptoms.”
Adjusting for Selection Bias in CTE Prevalence Estimates
Boston University researchers addressed selection bias by estimating that former players with cognitive symptoms are five times more likely to become brain donors. By applying this selection ratio, the researchers adjusted the observed 94% CTE prevalence among donors to an overall estimate of 74.5% among all deceased ex-NFL players from 2008 to 2023. Despite these adjustments, the study notes that it includes only former players who have died and does not predict how many living players may have CTE or related symptoms.
NFL and NFLPA Respond to Study Findings
The NFL responded by highlighting ongoing efforts to make football safer, including implementing new rules, improving equipment such as Guardian Caps, and expanding resources for player well-being. In a statement, the NFL said it is “committed to ensuring that the NFL community has access to a robust – and expanding – set of resources to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.”
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) also commented, describing the study as one of many critical to understanding long-term health impacts. The union expressed continued support for scientific research and investment in resources aimed at improving players’ health during and after their careers.
Calls for Further Action
Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, an ambassador for the study, emphasized the need to act on data to protect future generations, saying, “We can't accept these numbers for the next generation of players.”
Ongoing Questions and Future Research
The study’s authors and supporting organizations underscore the importance of continued research on football concussions, head trauma, and the long-term effects of brain injury in the sport. Though the study does not estimate how many living or current players may be affected, its findings highlight significant NFL health risks and the importance of initiatives to diagnose and treat CTE-related symptoms.
Source: cbsnews.com.
