Study: At Least 24.5% of Former NFL Players Who Died 2016-2021 Had CTE
On August 25, a study released in the British Medical Journal revealed that over 25% of former NFL players who passed away between 2016 and 2021 were found to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The investigation, spearheaded by Daniel Daneshvar from Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, examined brain donations from 235 out of 878 ex-players, discovering CTE in 215 of them. The actual prevalence may reach as high as 97.7%. Experts, including Randall Chesnut, commended the findings, which Daneshvar described as a 'wake-up call' for the NFL. While the NFL emphasized its commitment to safety, the NFL Players Association referred to the findings as a 'sobering reminder.' CTE can only be diagnosed after death, and there is currently no cure.
Key facts
- Study published in the British Medical Journal on August 25.
- At least 24.5% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE.
- Maximum estimated prevalence could be 97.7%.
- CTE prevalence in general population is less than 1%.
- 235 of 878 former players who died in that period had brains donated; 215 had CTE.
- CTE can only be diagnosed after death via autopsy.
- NFL has implemented safety measures including banning dangerous plays and improving helmets.
- NFL Players Association called the study 'a sobering reminder that football carries real risks.'
Entities
Artists
- Randy Grimes
- Daniel Daneshvar
- Randall Chesnut
- Junior Seau
- Demaryius Thomas
- Ken Stabler
- Frank Wycheck
- Frank Gifford
Institutions
- British Medical Journal
- Mass General Brigham
- Harvard Medical School
- University of Washington
- NFL
- NFL Players Association
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Locations
- Longmont
- Colorado