Study estimates 75% of deceased NFL players had CTE
Researchers say about 27% of the players studied were estimated to have dementia, and CTE can only be confirmed after death.
29 Oct 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
A new study from Boston University researchers estimates that about 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study, published in JAMA Network Open, adjusted for selection bias. The authors say the figure is the highest estimate to date and points to the need for better support and care for players and their families.
CTE in Deceased Players
CTE is a degenerative brain disease found in people who have suffered repeated blows to the head. It can only be diagnosed after death. Less than 1% of donors to community brain banks have it, so the study's estimate for NFL players stands out sharply.
The researchers combined data from the UNITE Brain Bank with national death records of 1,966 other former players. Because players with cognitive symptoms were about five times more likely to donate their brains, they applied a statistical correction. After adjustment, they estimated that roughly 1,760 of the 2,360 former players who died in the 15-year span had CTE, and about 27% were estimated to have dementia.
The NFL said it continues to work on player safety, pointing to better helmets and rule changes. The NFL Players Association called the study one of many critical to understanding the long-term health effects of football. Former quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, an ambassador for the study, said the data should be used to make the game safer. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, a former linebacker, said he and other players knew the risks.