Study: At least 25 percent of NFL players in sample had CTE | Jefferson City News-Tribune

A study published Tuesday in the British Medical Journal found that at least 25% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. Researchers reviewed brain samples from 235 of the 878 players who appeared in at least one NFL game and donated their brains; 215 showed CTE at some stage. That equals more than one in four deaths, and 91.5% of the studied donors. The NFL Players Association said the results suggest CTE may be more common than previously understood, urging continued research and support. The NFL said it is working to reduce concussions and head impacts. Lead author Dr. Daniel Daneshvar called the estimate conservative, with possible prevalence up to 97%. Most samples were Stage III or IV, with Stage IV meeting dementia criteria. He added that reducing practice hits and keeping children from tackle football could lower risk.