New Study Reveals Unprecedented Prevalence of Brain Disease Among Deceased NFL Players
A comprehensive post‑mortem study of 878 former National Football League (NFL) players who died from 2016 to 2021 has uncovered a staggering range for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) prevalence: between 24.5% and 97.7%. Of the 235 brains donated for research, 215 were diagnosed with CTE, meaning 91.5% of donated samples showed the disease.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Total players studied | 878 |
| Brain donors | 235 |
| CTE diagnosed among donors | 215 (91.5%) |
| Estimated CTE prevalence overall | 24.5%–97.7% |
Lead author Daniel Daneshvar of Harvard Medical School emphasized that the risk of neurodegenerative death for NFL athletes is roughly four times higher than for the general population, underscoring the need for more rigorous safety protocols. "These findings indicate a higher prevalence of CTE at death than previously shown in community‑based studies," he added.
The study also reported a high incidence of dementia among brain donors, pointing to the broader spectrum of cognitive decline linked to repeated head impacts. While the majority of these injuries occurred outside the NFL—at college, high‑school, and youth levels—cumulative exposure proved critical.
The NFL has implemented measures to reduce concussions and head impacts, and it continues to offer a growing set of health resources for former players. In a statement, the league stressed its commitment to player well‑being and encouraged former athletes to seek care when concerned about their health.
The full paper appears in the British Medical Journal and can be accessed here.
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