At least 25% of ex-NFL players who died from 2016-2021 had CTE, according to new study; NFLPA says findings should be 'a call to action across the entire football ecosystem'
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- A study published in The British Medical Journal found that at least 25% of NFL players who died between 2016-2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts.
- Researchers analyzed brain samples from 235 players out of 878 who died during that period, identifying CTE in 215 of the tested brains, highlighting a strong association between NFL play and the disease.
- Symptoms of CTE include mood swings, memory loss, and confusion, raising concerns about the long-term health effects of repeated traumatic brain injuries in football.
- The NFL stated its commitment to making the game safer and providing resources for players' physical and mental health, while the NFL Players Association called for increased research, better treatments, and support for affected players.
- Study authors noted the 25% figure likely underestimates the prevalence of CTE, as it does not include untested brains of deceased players.
