BMJ study links CTE to roughly a quarter of NFL players who died (2016–2021)
TL;DR
A BMJ study cited by The Times found that at least 24.5% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE (215 of 878); 643 brains were not studied, so the true prevalence could be higher. CTE can currently be diagnosed only after death, underscoring ongoing concerns about football-related brain injury. The NFL and NFLPA responded, while OSHA officials suggested the agency rarely enforces actions in professional sports, highlighting a broader call for action to improve player safety.
- New study finds at least 24.5 percent of NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE NBC Sports
- At Least 1 in 4 NFL Players Gets CTE, Major New Study Finds The New York Times
- At least 25% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE, study finds NPR
- 1 in 4 NFL players — or more — developed brain disease CTE, new study suggests CBC
- Study shows at least 25% of NFL players could develop CTE ESPN
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