The short version
- A recent study found CTE in 215 of 235 donated brains from former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021.
- Researchers emphasize that the majority of head impacts occurred during youth, high school, and collegiate play rather than professional games.
- The findings reinforce calls for stricter contact limitations in practice sessions across all levels of the sport to reduce long-term health risks.
A significant new study released on Tuesday suggests that chronic traumatic encephalopathy affects a substantial portion of former National Football League players. The research, conducted by institutions including Mass General Brigham and Boston University, examined brains donated by athletes who passed away between 2016 and 2021. Of the 878 former players who died during this five-year period, 235 contributed their brains for scientific analysis. The results were stark: 215 of those 235 samples showed definitive signs of CTE, a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma.
This finding translates to an estimated prevalence rate where at least one in four deceased former NFL players suffered from the disease. CTE is characterized by symptoms such as memory loss, mood disorders, dementia, and persistent headaches. Because the condition can only be confirmed through post-mortem examination, these figures represent a snapshot of those who chose to donate their brains, rather than a comprehensive census of all former players. The study underscores the severe neurological toll that a career in professional football can take on the human brain.
Daniel Daneshvar, the lead author and chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mass General Brigham, noted that repeated traumatic brain injuries are a established factor in higher rates of neurodegenerative disease among athletes. He highlighted that NFL players face approximately four times the risk of dying from neurodegenerative conditions compared to the general population. The research team also observed that dementia was common among the brain donors, prompting urgent calls for preventive measures aimed at reducing repetitive head impacts throughout an athlete's entire career.
Crucially, the study points out that the bulk of head trauma experienced by these professionals did not occur during their time in the NFL. Instead, researchers found that most impacts accumulated during youth leagues, high school, and collegiate play. Daneshvar explained that these cumulative hits from earlier stages of athletic development add up to create an increased risk for later-life brain disease. This perspective shifts the focus from professional-level safety protocols alone to a broader concern about how the sport is played at foundational levels.
The implications of these findings extend beyond individual health outcomes to the structural practices of football organizations. Daneshvar suggested that if the contact reduction strategies implemented by the NFL were adopted at collegiate, high school, and youth levels, athletes would likely experience better long-term health outcomes. He noted that nearly 70 percent of head impacts occur during practice sessions rather than games. Therefore, limiting contact in practices could substantially reduce the cumulative burden on players without altering game time.
In response to the study, an NFL spokesperson reiterated the league's commitment to player safety and well-being. The organization stated it continuously strives to make the game safer by implementing strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts. The league also emphasized its dedication to providing robust resources for physical and mental health support, encouraging former players to seek treatment if they have concerns about their condition. This stance aligns with previous efforts, such as the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement that limited contact practices during the season.
Historical context further illustrates the severity of CTE in football. Several high-profile players, including Junior Seau, Dave Duerson, and Aaron Hernandez, were found to have had CTE after their deaths, many of which involved tragic circumstances such as suicide. These cases helped bring public attention to the link between football and brain injury. In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court approved a settlement regarding concussion-related lawsuits involving thousands of retired players, acknowledging the league's liability in some instances.
Looking ahead, the study serves as a call to action for broader systemic changes. Daneshvar urged current and former athletes experiencing cognitive symptoms to seek evaluation from neurodegenerative disease experts. The research highlights that while professional leagues have made strides in limiting contact, the earlier stages of athletic development remain critical areas for intervention. By addressing head impacts at the youth and high school levels, stakeholders may be able to mitigate the long-term neurological risks associated with playing football.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Study finds that one in four former NFL players suffers from degenerative brain disease CTE
