All articles tagged with #cte
A new study linking chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.) to a high percentage of former NFL players has reignited safety debates in Clatsop County. While local high schools have already banned dangerous drills, coaches and parents are now scrutinizing current practices in light of the research.
NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip, 79, is stepping away from public appearances after being diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). The condition is complicated by possible Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) linked to his racing career. Currently experiencing minor symptoms, Waltrip is focusing on family time with his wife, Stevie, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip is stepping away from public appearances after being diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The 79-year-old, who won three Cup titles and 84 races, is currently experiencing minor symptoms and is spending time with his family. His diagnosis highlights the long-term neurological risks associated with high-impact motorsports, a concern previously raised by other racing legends.
A British Journal of Medicine study of 235 donated NFL brains (2016–2021) found CTE in 215 cases, implying a minimum 24.5% prevalence among deceased players and likely much higher; the authors warn that repetitive head trauma in football is linked to CTE and long-term cognitive, mood, and motor issues, including suicides among former players, framing the sport as a looming public health crisis and urging fans to reconsider supporting it.
A Sports Illustrated feature gathers insights from 10 former NFL players—including four Hall of Famers—about head trauma and CTE in light of a Mass General Brigham study showing widespread brain pathology, urging better lifelong healthcare and safety, while reflecting mixed views on the league’s handling of player health and the push for more games.
A Boston University study of 33 former NFL players diagnosed postmortem with advanced CTE found they often showed cognitive impairment in life but still received the lowest impairment rating under the NFL Concussion Settlement’s baseline assessment, suggesting the program’s criteria miss cases linked to confirmed CTE and may deny compensation; the study, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights a need to reassess diagnostic criteria as the settlement has paid about $1.7 billion through August 2026.
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton says football is a dangerous, collision-heavy sport and would sacrifice a future family’s involvement to protect them, while acknowledging the NFL is moving toward a 20-game regular season within the next decade; he cites recent ALS/CTE concerns and the deaths of figures like Damar Hamlin and O.J. Brigance in weighing whether kids should play, and muses about rule changes (two 45-minute halves, shorter play clocks) that could stretch the schedule, noting the NFLPA’s limited power to derail such expansion.
A BMJ analysis of NFL brain donations from 2008–2021 shows that at least 24.5% of players who died between 2016–2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), based on 215 positive diagnoses among 235 examined brains; the broader period yields an 18.5% minimum rate. CTE can only be diagnosed after death, and dementia was common among brain donors and correlated with CTE severity.
In the largest study of deceased NFL players’ brains, researchers found chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in at least 25% of cases (235 brains examined), with CTE present in about 91% of the brains studied; experts caution that these findings cannot be applied to living players and emphasize the link between repeated head impacts and brain disease.
A study of 878 former NFL players who died from 2016–2021 found 235 brains were donated, with 215 showing CTE—roughly one in four—highlighting that most head trauma occurred before NFL play and urging broader prevention and evaluation for cognitive symptoms across all levels of football.
The NFL Players Association emailed all players in response to a Massachusetts General Brigham–Boston University study suggesting CTE may be more common in NFL players than previously thought. The message emphasizes the need for continued research, care, and support, outlines symptoms that can be treated with proper medical evaluation, and points to resources (Former Players Department, Professional Athletes Foundation, and the Football Players Health Study at Harvard). It also says the NFLPA will host medical expert calls in coming weeks to provide context and answers, underscoring a league-wide push to improve safety and brain health for players.
A new CTE study, amplified by the New York Times, underscores the ongoing brain-injury debate in football and could bolster moves to shift the kickoff touchback from the 35- to the 30-yard line to reduce high‑impact collisions, though living-diagnosis limitations mean participation in football at all levels is unlikely to change significantly in the near term.
A British Medical Journal study of 878 former NFL players who died from 2016–2021 found 215 of 235 brain donors had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The researchers estimate CTE prevalence among all decedents ranged from 24.5% (minimum) to 97.7% (maximum), underscoring a higher risk of neurodegenerative disease and dementia in this population and urging the NFL to reduce repetitive head impacts across levels of play.
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.
Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith, a San Diego sports fixture who became a beloved broadcaster and philanthropist, died at 64 after a long battle with dementia linked to CTE. He played 1983–92 for the Chargers, later worked as a sportscaster and radio host, and remained a beloved local figure. He is survived by his wife Kimberly Hunt and daughter Savannah; a celebration of life date will be announced.