Story perspectives

Study Estimates 74.5% of NFL Players Had CTE

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

Boston University researchers estimate roughly 75% of deceased NFL players had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Examination of 387 brains showed 362 (94%) with CTE neuropathology.
Adjusting for donation bias—families of symptomatic players were five times more likely to donate—produces a 74.5% prevalence estimate.
The NFL Players Association called the findings critical.
The NFL said it continues safety improvements and health resources.

1 of 1

Boston University researchers estimate roughly 75% of deceased NFL players had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Examination of 387 brains showed 362 (94%) with CTE neuropathology.
Adjusting for donation bias—families of symptomatic players were five times more likely to donate—produces a 74.5% prevalence estimate.
The NFL Players Association called the findings critical.
The NFL said it continues safety improvements and health resources.