At least one in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) [1].
The findings highlight the persistent risk of long-term brain damage associated with professional football. This data provides a critical window into how repeated head trauma affects athletes long after their playing careers end.
The study was published Monday in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) [2]. Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Boston University in Boston, U.S., conducted the analysis to assess the prevalence of the degenerative brain disease among deceased players [2].
CTE is a brain condition linked to repeated head impacts, often resulting in memory loss, mood swings, and cognitive decline. The research team focused on players who died within a specific five-year window to better understand the prevalence of the disease in the modern era of the sport [3].
According to the report, at least 25% of the players in the study group were diagnosed with CTE at the time of death [1]. The researchers said they sought to quantify these risks to improve the understanding of brain health for current and former professional athletes [2].
While the league has implemented various rule changes to reduce head impacts, the study suggests that the legacy of brain trauma remains a significant issue for those who played during the period analyzed [3]. The researchers said the findings underscore the need for continued study into the long-term effects of contact sports on the human brain [2].
“At least one in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE”
This study provides empirical evidence that a significant portion of former professional football players suffer from permanent brain degeneration. By linking the disease to a specific cohort of players who died between 2016 and 2021, the research suggests that the risks of CTE persist despite evolving safety protocols in the NFL.
