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Suicide Rates Among Ex-NFL Players Surge, Study Finds

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study in the Journal of Neurotrauma indicates that suicide rates among former NFL players rose significantly from 2011 to 2019, being 2.6 times higher than those of former NBA and MLB players.
The study tracked deaths since 1979 and found that suicide rates were similar across leagues before 2011.
This increase aligns with heightened awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition associated with head trauma.
Experts recommend former players seek treatment for health issues instead of assuming they have CTE.
The NFL and NFL Players Association stress the need for mental health resources for retired players.

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Story summary

A study in the Journal of Neurotrauma indicates that suicide rates among former NFL players rose significantly from 2011 to 2019, being 2.6 times higher than those of former NBA and MLB players.
The study tracked deaths since 1979 and found that suicide rates were similar across leagues before 2011.
This increase aligns with heightened awareness of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition associated with head trauma.
Experts recommend former players seek treatment for health issues instead of assuming they have CTE.
The NFL and NFL Players Association stress the need for mental health resources for retired players.