CTE Found in 75% of Deceased Former NFL Players Since 2008
A recent study reveals a high prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy among former NFL players, sparking discussions on player safety and long-term health.
In a significant finding, researchers have discovered that approximately 75% of deceased former National Football League (NFL) players from 2008 to 2023 exhibited signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often linked to repeated head injuries. This statistic underscores the ongoing concern over the long-term impact of football-related concussions and highlights the need for further investigation into protective measures for athletes. 123
The study, which garnered attention for its comprehensive scope, also noted that around 27% of the former NFL players included in the research had been diagnosed with dementia. This figure adds weight to the notion that repeated head trauma can lead to cognitive decline later in life, making it a critical area of focus for medical professionals and sports organizations alike. 13
However, there is some dispute regarding the exact number of participants in the study. While NBC News reported that the research was based on data from 396 donated brains and additional information from 1,966 deceased former NFL players, this claim has been contradicted by other sources, including The Guardian Health and CBS News U.S., which suggest different figures. This discrepancy leaves room for further clarification and highlights the importance of verifying such detailed statistics in future studies. 3
These findings come at a time when the NFL is increasingly focused on improving player safety and addressing concerns about the long-term effects of the sport on athletes' health. The high incidence of CTE among former players serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued research and innovation in protective gear and playing techniques. It also prompts questions about the broader implications for the sport, including potential changes to rules and training methods to better safeguard players against head injuries.
What we know
- - About 75% of deceased former NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had evidence of CTE. 123
- - Approximately 27% of the former NFL players in the study had dementia. 13
- - There is some dispute regarding the exact number of participants in the study. 3
What remains unclear
- - The exact number of participants in the study, due to conflicting reports.
Verification report
Partly unverified — probability of truth 62%, weighted across 6 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed About 75% of deceased former NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had evidence of CTE. (94%)
- confirmed Approximately 27% of the former NFL players in the study had dementia. (86%)
- unverified The study involved 2,362 deceased former NFL players with an average career length of five years. (51%)
- unverified Among nearly 400 players whose brains were donated, 93.5% showed signs of CTE. (51%)
- unverified Ninety-four percent of the brain donors had some form of CTE. (49%)
- disputed The study used data from 396 donated brains and additional information from 1,966 deceased former NFL players. (28%)
Sources
- The Guardian Health — New study estimates 75% of deceased ex-NFL players had brain disease CTE
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/28/cte-nfl-brain-disease-research - CBS News U.S. — Experts react to new findings on CTE in former NFL players
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cte-research-nfl-boston-university/ - NBC News U.S. — Study estimates 75% of NFL players who died over 15-year span had CTE
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/study-estimates-75-nfl-players-died-15-year-span-may-cte-rcna605975