Health

Study estimates at least 25% of former NFL players in sample had CTE

Researchers analyzing former players who died between 2008 and 2021 found high rates of chronic traumatic encephalopathy among donated brains.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 16:22 UTC1 reports

The short version

A study published in The BMJ estimates that at least 24.5% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Out of 338 donated brains examined from a group of 1,712 deceased former players, 93.2% showed structural evidence of CTE.
The NFL and NFL Players Association responded by emphasizing ongoing research, head impact reduction efforts, and long-term support for athletes.

A study in The BMJ analyzing 1,712 former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2021 estimated a minimum CTE prevalence of 24.5% among those who died between 2016 and 2021.[ABC News]
Researchers examined 338 donated brains from the cohort and found evidence of CTE in 315 of them (93.2%).[ABC News]
Stage IV CTE, the most severe form of the disease, was associated with a 44% higher risk of dementia after accounting for differences between brain donors and non-donors.[ABC News]
By contrast, researchers noted that studies of community brain banks show CTE affects less than 1% of the general population.[ABC News]
In statements, the NFL cited its ongoing efforts to reduce concussions and head impacts, while the NFLPA described the findings as a reminder of football's risks and a call to action for improved safety and healthcare access.[ABC News]

The precise overall prevalence of CTE among all former NFL players remains uncertain due to potential selection bias in brain donations, leading researchers to estimate a wide possible range between 24.5% and 97.7% for the studied period.[ABC News]
The full extent of neurodegenerative conditions among former players may be underestimated because many dementia cases were omitted from death certificates.[ABC News]