Study reveals high rates of CTE among former NFL players
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 8:08 PM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
Research conducted by Boston University and Harvard Medical School found that at least 24.5% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study analyzed data from 878 NFL player brain donors and indicated that the true prevalence of CTE could range as high as 97.7%. Among donors with CTE, 61.3% had dementia diagnosed. The NFL Players Association acknowledged the study's findings as a serious reminder of the risks associated with football, emphasizing the need for improved player safety and support measures.
- •24.5% of NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE.
- •Highest rate of brain donations occurred during this period.
- •Dementia was diagnosed in 61.3% of donors with CTE.
- •NFL Players Association emphasizes the need for player safety.
- •Study results aim to influence health policies in football.
- 8:08 PMYahoo Sports — How common Is CTE among NFL players? A new study has sobering answers
- 7:57 PMYahoo Sports — Study finds 25% of deceased NFL players died with CTE
"The British Medical Journal found at least a quarter of all former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy at death. CTE is a neurological disease tied to repeated head trauma. “Let’s be more careful with our helmets,” said Dr. Neil Bhathela, Atrium Health sports neurologist.
"A new study found evidence that at least 1 in 4 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 8:08 PMHow common Is CTE among NFL players? A new study has sobering answers
A new study found evidence that at least 1 in 4 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 7:57 PMStudy finds 25% of deceased NFL players died with CTE
The British Medical Journal found at least a quarter of all former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy at death. CTE is a neurological disease tied to repeated head trauma. “Let’s be more careful with our helmets,” said Dr. Neil Bhathela, Atrium Health sports neurologist.
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