Study finds at least a quarter of deceased former NFL players had CTE

A new study published this week in the journal BMJ found that at least 25 percent of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, at the time of their death. The research, based on death records and brain donations, also revealed that among the 338 players whose brains were examined, 93 percent showed signs of the degenerative brain disease .

CTE is a progressive brain disorder linked to repeated head trauma, with symptoms including memory loss, confusion, depression, and personality changes. The study’s co-authors noted that the actual prevalence of CTE among former players could be higher, as the 93 percent figure may reflect a bias toward players whose families donated their brains due to observed symptoms .

The findings come as the NFL season approaches, with millions of fans preparing to watch games where head collisions are common. The Aspen Institute’s annual State of Play report indicates a declining interest in tackle football among American parents, who are increasingly steering their children away from the sport .

In a separate development, the Big Ten conference announced it would ban returnees from the NFL, according to a report published on Aug. 25 . The study’s release also coincides with ongoing debates about the inherent risks of football, with federal regulators considering whether hazards like head trauma are inseparable from the sport’s core nature .