New study shows at least a quarter of NFL players who died from 2016-2021 had CTE

Key Points:

• A study published in The BMJ found that at least 24.5% of NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease linked to repetitive head trauma, based on brain examinations of donated samples.
• Of 1,712 NFL players who died between 2008 and 2021, 338 donated their brains for analysis, with 93.2% diagnosed with CTE; however, many brains were not examined, so the true prevalence could vary.
• The NFL has introduced the Guardian Cap, a padded helmet cover aimed at reducing concussions, which led to the fewest preseason concussions since 2015, but player opinions on its use remain mixed, with many citing comfort and appearance concerns.
• The study also found a strong association between CTE severity and dementia risk among brain donors, with nearly 60% diagnosed with dementia before death, and many cases unreported on death certificates, suggesting underestimation in previous reports.
• The ongoing concern about brain health in football was highlighted by former player Roger Craig, who disclosed his vascular dementia diagnosis during his Hall of Fame speech, emphasizing the need for awareness and health monitoring.