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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 25, 2026Hillsborough

Study estimates 1 in 4 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE

A new study published in the journal BMJ estimates that 25% of former NFL players who passed away between 2016 and 2021 suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Researchers suggest that reducing repetitive head impacts at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels could significantly lower the cumulative risk of the disease.

public healthsports medicineNFLbrain healthCTE
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

The study provides a new statistical estimate of CTE prevalence among former professional football players, highlighting the long-term health risks associated with cumulative head impacts across all levels of the sport.

Key Facts

  • At least 1 in 4 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE.
  • The study analyzed 878 former players who died during the specified timeframe.
  • 235 of the 878 deceased players donated their brains for research.
  • 215 of the 235 brain donors were diagnosed with CTE.
  • CTE is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated blows to the head and can only be diagnosed after death.
  • Former NFL players have approximately four times the rate of death from neurodegenerative disease compared to the general population.
  • Researchers estimate that the majority of head impacts experienced by players occur during practice rather than games.
  • The NFL's 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement limited the number of contact practices during the season.
  • The current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement runs through March 2031.

Who's Mentioned

organizationConcussion & CTE Foundation“Research organization involved in the study.”organizationNFL“Professional football league subject of the study.”personMatt Hasselbeck“Former NFL quarterback mentioned in related story.”organizationBoston University“Research institution involved in the study.”organizationMass General Brigham“Research institution involved in the study.”personDr. Daniel Daneshvar“Lead author of the study.”otherBMJ“Medical journal that published the study.”