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CTE Found in 25% of Former NFL Players’ Brains

8/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. researchers reported that at least 25% of former NFL players who died 2016-2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The study examined 235 donated brains from 878 deceased players and identified 215 CTE cases.
Researchers estimated CTE prevalence could range from 24.5% up to 97.7% within the cohort.
Among donors with CTE, 61.3% met dementia criteria, rising to 90.4% in Stage IV cases.

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Story summary

U.S. researchers reported that at least 25% of former NFL players who died 2016-2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The study examined 235 donated brains from 878 deceased players and identified 215 CTE cases.
Researchers estimated CTE prevalence could range from 24.5% up to 97.7% within the cohort.
Among donors with CTE, 61.3% met dementia criteria, rising to 90.4% in Stage IV cases.