Brain disease in ex-NFL players 'higher than previously shown,' new study reveals

A recent study published in The BMJ reveals that at least one in four former National Football League (NFL) players who died between 2016 and 2021 had evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease, at the time of their death. This new research suggests the prevalence of CTE among former players is significantly higher than previously understood, prompting serious concerns about player welfare within the sport.

CTE, which can only be definitively diagnosed after death, is strongly associated with repeated head trauma experienced in contact sports. While previous studies focused heavily on donated brains, often from individuals with concerning symptoms, this new study aimed to provide a more comprehensive estimate. It found that over 90% of donated brains from former NFL players showed signs of CTE, though researchers emphasize that this sample is skewed. Symptoms of CTE can include severe memory loss, balance problems, and significant personality changes, such as depression and aggression. Further compounding these concerns, another recent study from July 2026 indicated that NFL players are four times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and Parkinson's, compared to the general population.

These findings underscore the long-term health risks associated with playing professional football. Researchers involved in these studies advocate for continued efforts to mitigate head impacts across all levels of the sport, including practices, to potentially reduce the cumulative burden of hits that contribute to such devastating brain conditions.