A new study estimates that 75% of NFL players who died over a 15-year period had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. The findings highlight the long-term health risks associated with professional football.
The research also notes that Social Security disability benefits do not require a confirmed CTE diagnosis for eligibility, potentially easing access to support for affected former players and their families.
The study was reported by Gerelyn Terzo on October 29, 2026.
