BMJ study links CTE to roughly a quarter of NFL players who died (2016–2021)
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.