Study estimates 75% of deceased NFL players had CTE

A Boston University-led study estimates that about 75% of 2,362 former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a higher estimate than earlier research and the broadest assessment yet because it accounts for players whose brains were not donated. Researchers compared findings from donated brains with death-certificate and medical-record data; among brain donors, roughly 94% had CTE. The study also estimated that about 27% had dementia, underscoring that CTE does not necessarily cause cognitive decline or symptoms in every person. CTE is linked to repeated head impacts but can currently be definitively diagnosed only after death, and the researchers describe the prevalence figure as an estimate. The NFL said it continues to pursue measures to make football safer and reduce concussions and head impacts.