Study Finds Roughly Three-Quarters Of Deceased Ex-NFL Players Had CTE
Boston University researchers reported that an analysis of brains from former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 found chronic traumatic encephalopathy in roughly three-quarters of cases.[1]
The study examined 387 brains and found CTE in 362, with a statistical adjustment for selection bias producing an estimated prevalence of 74.5%.[1] Researchers warned the findings cannot be used to estimate CTE rates among living or active players.[1]
Boston University contributed earlier brain-bank studies that first identified high rates of CTE in football players and laid the groundwork for the current analysis.[1] CTE appears in under 1% of donors to community brain banks, a contrast the authors used to underscore elevated risk among NFL players.[1]
The NFL and the NFL Players Association issued statements emphasizing safety measures, medical resources for former players, and support for ongoing research into brain health.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Study covers NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 and were evaluated by Boston University researchers.
- CTE was found in 362 of 387 examined ex-NFL players, with an adjusted estimated prevalence of 74.5% after accounting for selection bias.
- CTE has been seen in less than 1% of donors to community brain banks, highlighting much higher risk among NFL players.
- The study builds on earlier BU work and explicitly notes it cannot predict CTE prevalence among living or active players.
- The NFL and NFL Players Association responded with statements highlighting safety efforts and support for ongoing research and player health resources.
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