In brief
Researchers examined 878 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021, finding that 215 of 235 brain donors were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Among those who died, the prevalence of CTE could range from 24.5% to a staggering 97.7%. The study underscores a four‑fold higher risk of neurodegenerative disease in NFL players compared with the general population. The findings highlight the cumulative impact of head hits from high school to professional play and call for stronger prevention measures across all levels of American football.
A study released today found that as many as 97.7% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 may have suffered from CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts.
The research team reviewed the brains of 235 retired players donated to science and discovered 215 had CTE. Among all 878 players who passed away during that period, the study estimates a minimum prevalence of 24.5% and a maximum of 97.7%.
"The bulk of the hits happened before players reached the NFL, at high‑school and college levels," said lead author Daniel Daneshvar, a Harvard associate professor. "These cumulative impacts raise the risk of brain disease.”
The NFL has promised to reduce concussions and head impacts, but the study urges more aggressive safety rules at all levels of play. Democrats fight for further research and better support for surviving players.
