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Study Finds CTE in 24.5% to 97% of NFL Dead

8/26/2026

Summary

Researchers Note Bias

Researchers found donors had longer NFL careers, more Pro Bowls, higher Hall of Fame rates.
The study warned voluntary donation creates selection bias, limiting generalization to all former players.
Boston University’s CTE Center partnered with UNITE brain bank and UCSF Alzheimer’s Research Center.
Lead author Dr. Daniel Daneshvar urged allocating resources to develop a CTE cure.
Researchers noted CTE also appears in hockey, rugby, soccer and combat-exposed military personnel.

Summary

Researchers Find CTE

U.S. researchers found at least one in four former NFL players who died 2016-2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Researchers estimated CTE prevalence between a minimum of 24.5% and a possible maximum of 97% among all deceased players.
Among donors with CTE, 61.3% also had dementia, rising to 90.4% for stage IV cases.
The NFL Players Association called the findings a sobering reminder of real risks and urged safety improvements.

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Researchers Note Bias

Researchers found donors had longer NFL careers, more Pro Bowls, higher Hall of Fame rates.
The study warned voluntary donation creates selection bias, limiting generalization to all former players.
Boston University’s CTE Center partnered with UNITE brain bank and UCSF Alzheimer’s Research Center.
Lead author Dr. Daniel Daneshvar urged allocating resources to develop a CTE cure.
Researchers noted CTE also appears in hockey, rugby, soccer and combat-exposed military personnel.

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