Study estimates 75% of NFL players who died in recent years had signs of CTE

A new study published by JAMA Network Open estimates that 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. The research, led by Boston University, examined the brains of nearly 400 deceased players, with about 93.5% showing evidence of CTE. This is significantly higher than the less than 1% prevalence in the general population. Researchers noted that while not everyone with CTE will experience cognitive decline or dementia, the high rate among former NFL players raises concerns and underscores the need for better diagnosis and treatment methods during life. The NFL responded by stating its commitment to making football safer, including efforts to reduce concussions and head impacts.