Study shows NFL players face higher risk of neurodegenerative disease
ESPN NFL • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 8, 2026, 5:08 PM
Last updated Jul 8, 2026
A new study conducted by Mass General Brigham and Boston University reveals that NFL players are nearly four times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population. This research analyzed data from nearly 20,000 players and indicates that both dementia and Parkinson's disease present increased risks for those who have played at least five seasons in the league. Dr. Daniel Daneshvar highlights that these findings underscore the long-term health implications athletes face from head trauma. While the findings raise concerns, the study also notes that NFL players generally live longer than non-players due to various health factors.
- •NFL players nearly four times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases.
- •Increased risk linked to the length of NFL career.
- •Dementia and Parkinson's disease are significant health concerns.
- •Players with five or more seasons face nearly double the risk.
- •NFL players generally have longer life expectancy than non-players.
- 9:01 PMESPN NFL — Study: NFLers die from dementia at higher rate
- 5:08 PMYahoo Sports — New study finds NFL players nearly four times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease
"NFL players are four times more likely than the general population to die of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease, according to a study released Wednesday.
""A fourfold increase in dementia rates from a presumed environmental cause is immense."
Sources
External links- ESPN NFLJul 9, 2026, 9:01 PMStudy: NFLers die from dementia at higher rate
NFL players are four times more likely than the general population to die of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease, according to a study released Wednesday.
- Yahoo SportsJul 8, 2026, 5:08 PMNew study finds NFL players nearly four times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease
"A fourfold increase in dementia rates from a presumed environmental cause is immense."
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