One-in-four NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE, study shows

Key Points:

• A study found that at least one in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), with 215 out of 235 donated brains showing the degenerative disease.
• Researchers emphasized that repeated traumatic brain injuries significantly increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, noting NFL players have about four times higher death rates from such conditions compared to the general population.
• The majority of head impacts leading to CTE occurred before the NFL level, primarily during collegiate, high school, and youth football, highlighting the need for preventive measures across all levels of the sport.
• The NFL has implemented strategies to reduce concussions, including limiting contact practices, and encourages former players to use available resources for physical and mental health support.
• Experts recommend reducing contact in practices at all levels of football, as nearly 70% of head impacts happen during practice, which could substantially lower the cumulative brain injury risk without affecting game time.