At least 25% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE, study finds
A new study published in The BMJ reveals that at least 25% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 were diagnosed with CTE. The findings provide a more accurate baseline for the prevalence of the degenerative brain disease in professional football.
Why it matters
This research provides critical data on the long-term health risks associated with contact sports, potentially influencing safety protocols and medical awareness.
For years, as researchers have established a link between repeated impacts to the head and the degenerative brain disease known as CTE , one major question has loomed: Just how common is it — especially among high-risk groups, like professional football players ?
Sports A third of former NFL players surveyed believe they have CTE, researchers find A new study from researchers at Mass General Brigham, published Tuesday in the prominent medical journal The BMJ , seeks to establish a more accurate baseline of CTE prevalence among retired NFL players who have died. Of football players who appeared in at least one NFL game in their careers and who died between 2016 and 2021, the study found that a minimum of around 25% had CTE upon their death.
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