A new study estimates that nearly 75% of NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The research was published on Wednesday, October 28, by a team from Boston University, Mass General Brigham, and the Concussion & CTE Foundation.
The findings highlight the long-term neurological risks associated with repeated head impacts in American football. CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive brain trauma, and can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
Researchers examined the brains of former NFL players who died during the 15-year period. The high prevalence underscores ongoing concerns about player safety and the long-term consequences of concussions and sub-concussive hits in the sport.
