Retired NFL Players Open Up About Concussions: ‘Yeah, I Have CTE. It’s Almost 100% Positive.’
A recent study reveals that a high percentage of deceased NFL players showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), sparking renewed debate about player safety. Current players are increasingly vocal about the risks of the sport versus the financial rewards for their families.
Why it matters
Addresses the ongoing public health crisis regarding head trauma in professional football and the tension between player safety and league expansion.
On one hand, many current and former players are concerned about their long-term health. On the other, many say they wouldn’t change a thing about stepping onto the field, even if the consequences could be brutal.
Last week, a jarring study conducted by researchers at Mass General Brigham showed that of 235 players who had their brains studied posthumously between 2016 and ’21, a whopping 215 had evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Then this summer, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony, former 49ers running back Roger Craig spoke about his battle with dementia.
One day after the study was made public, Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton spoke with Sports Illustrated , saying he’d prefer his future children not play football past high school, while also expressing a willingness to risk his long-term health for the betterment of his family.
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