Study Finds Three‑Quarters Former NFL
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An estimated seventy‑five percent of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open on Wednesday. The research, led by Yorghos Tripodis of Boston University’s Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, examined donated brains from the UNITE Brain Bank. The study also found that about twenty‑seven percent of those players had dementia. Boston University noted that CTE cannot be diagnosed in living individuals, so the figures are best‑guess estimates. The NFL said it continues to pursue safety measures to reduce concussions and head impacts.
More context
Timeline
- On January 1 2008 First former NFL player brain donated to UNITE Bank.
- On December 31 2023 Last former NFL player brain donated for CTE study.
- On October 28 2026 JAMA Network Open publishes study on former NFL CTE prevalence.
- On October 28 2026 Boston University releases study findings to media.
- On October 28 2026 NFL spokesperson comments on safety initiatives.
Why it matters
Immediate US impact: Raises concerns about player health and safety protocols Possible long-term US impact: May influence future league regulations and medical research Most affected groups: Former NFL players and their families Reader priority: High for sports health and safety audiences
Coverage notes
Center: Coverage from thenationaldesk.com, ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos, ABC7 Chicago frames this as a developing news story: Study Finds Three‑Quarters Former NFL. Reporting emphasizes verified facts, named sources, and near-term impact for readers. Left: Left-leaning desks covering the same development typically emphasize public impact, institutional accountability, and who is most affected. Right: Right-leaning desks covering the same development typically emphasize practical outcomes, market or security stakes, and institutional response.
Primary report
NBC News — Study Finds Three‑Quarters Former NFL
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
