One in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) [1].
The findings highlight the persistent long-term health risks associated with repeated head trauma in professional football. As the league continues to implement safety protocols, these results suggest that a significant portion of the player population suffers from permanent brain damage.
Researchers from the Concussion & CTE Foundation, including CEO Chris Nowinski, authored the study published in the British Medical Journal [1]. The research specifically analyzed the brains of deceased athletes to determine the prevalence of the neurodegenerative disease [2].
The data indicates that 25% of the players studied showed evidence of CTE [1]. This study focused on a specific window of deaths occurring from 2016 to 2021 [2].
CTE is a progressive brain disease found in people with a history of repetitive brain trauma. While the NFL has introduced various rule changes to limit head-to-head contact, the study suggests the prevalence of the disease remains high among those who played during the analyzed period [3].
The research team aimed to provide a clearer assessment of how common the condition is among former players in the U.S. [1]. By focusing on a specific cohort of deceased athletes, the scientists sought to quantify the risk inherent in the sport's physical demands [2].
This report adds to a growing body of evidence regarding the neurological impact of professional football. The findings were reported this week in August 2026 [1].
“One in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).”
The findings suggest that CTE is not an isolated occurrence but a systemic risk for a quarter of the professional player population. By establishing a concrete percentage based on deaths from 2016 to 2021, the research provides a benchmark for evaluating whether current NFL safety interventions are effectively reducing the incidence of brain disease in active players.
