1 in 4 former NFL players may have CTE, new study says

A recent study reveals that at least one in four former NFL players exhibit signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) upon death. CTE is a degenerative brain condition believed to stem from repeated head trauma. Researchers from the Concussion and CTE Foundation examined the brains of 235 former NFL players who passed away between 2016 and 2021. While earlier studies suggested a lower rate of CTE in former players, this latest research indicates a significantly higher prevalence.

Amna Nawaz spoke with Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion and CTE Foundation, and co-author of the study. Dr. Nowinski explained that the study focused on donated brains from retired players, and the actual number of NFL players suffering from CTE may be even higher due to the limitations of using only autopsy-donated brains. The study found that nearly two-thirds of the affected players exhibited dementia during their lifetime.

Nowinski emphasized the need for further research on the impacts of repeated head trauma on younger players, including high school and college athletes. He highlighted that over 90% of studied college players and more than a third of high school players had evidence of CTE. The study's findings suggest that the current NFL game may pose greater risks due to players' increased size, strength, and longer seasons compared to the past.