All articles tagged with #cte
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.
The parents of Jordan Devey, a former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion, say he died by suicide at 38, leaving a wife and four children, and they urge open conversations about mental health and the potential impact of CTE. They emphasize that seeking help is okay, highlight Devey’s alleged experience with football-related injuries, and note plans for an organ-donor fundraiser to support his family as the community is encouraged to reach out for help via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Former NFL offensive lineman Jordan Devey, who played for five teams over eight seasons and earned a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots, died at 38. He died by suicide, and his parents say they believe he suffered from CTE. Devey appeared in 44 regular-season games with 21 starts for the Ravens, Patriots, 49ers, Chiefs, Raiders and Bills.
A Mass General Brigham–Boston University–CTE Foundation study of nearly 20,000 NFL players finds death from neurodegenerative disease is about four times higher than in the general population, with dementia and Parkinson’s deaths 3–4x more common; longer careers (five-plus seasons) nearly double the risk versus shorter careers. CTE is considered the primary explanation, though players generally live longer overall due to other protective factors.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide at 24 after a high-speed chase, was found to have Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), highlighting that football-related brain damage can begin early and accumulate over time. The piece argues there may be no safe upper limit to playing football for brain health, situates Kneeland’s case within a long history of CTE concerns in the NFL, and notes ongoing debates about youth participation and safety in the sport.
Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, who died by suicide in 2025, was posthumously diagnosed with stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the mildest form of the brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. The diagnosis from Boston University’s CTE Center provides context for the struggles his family described; researchers caution that CTE can only be diagnosed after death and that the relationship between CTE and suicide is complex, though risk persists for athletes despite modern safety protocols.
Former Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide in November 2025 at age 24; post-mortem brain analysis by the Concussion & CTE Foundation diagnosed stage 1 CTE, the earliest form of the disease, underscoring that repetitive head impacts can lead to CTE even with modern concussion protocols; experts stress prevention and awareness and note that CTE can only be diagnosed after death.
The family of former 49ers pass rusher Aldon Smith, who died at 36, has sent his brain to Boston for examination to determine if chronic traumatic encephalopathy contributed to his death; attorneys say they are pursuing answers and privacy while noting Smith endured multiple concussions during his career.
The family of former 49ers defensive end Aldon Smith says they will have his brain examined by CTE experts in Boston to check for chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other brain damage linked to years of concussions, after his death following a medical emergency in Los Gatos. They hired civil rights attorneys to pursue the examination and understand the circumstances surrounding his passing; the Santa Clara Medical Examiner has not yet released a cause of death. Smith, 36, was a standout player whose career included 49ers records and stints with the Raiders, Cowboys, and Seahawks, but was later troubled by off-field issues.
The family of late NFL linebacker Aldon Smith has donated his brain to the CTE Center for research as authorities investigate his death, hoping to advance understanding of neurodegenerative conditions linked to football injuries.
Aldon Smith’s family has retained three lawyers to investigate his sudden death at 36; they’ve sent his brain to Boston for examination for CTE and other concussion-related damage, as the family requests privacy while they grieve.
The family of Claude Lemieux has donated his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center (UNITE Brain Bank) to advance research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy and the effects of repetitive head trauma, emphasizing that no diagnosis should be drawn at this time and noting Lemieux’s death at age 60 after a lengthy NHL career.