Study Reveals High CTE Rates Among NFL Players Who Died from 2016 to 2021

A recent study published in The BMJ found that at least 24.5% of NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease linked to repetitive head trauma.

The research analyzed data from 1,712 NFL players who died from 2008 to 2021, with 338 donating their brains for examination. Among the 215 players diagnosed with CTE from the 235 brain donations between 2016 and 2021, the diagnosis rate was 91.4%. The study noted that the percentage of players with CTE could be higher, as it does not account for the 643 brains that were not examined.

The NFL has taken steps to address concussion-related issues, including the introduction of the Guardian Cap, a padded helmet cover aimed at reducing head injuries. Despite its approval for use in games starting in 2024, player feedback has been mixed, with many expressing reservations about its effectiveness and comfort.