A major study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that 99% of former National Football League (NFL) players tested had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. The research, led by Boston University's CTE Center, examined the brains of 202 deceased football players, including 111 from the NFL.
All but one of the NFL players showed signs of CTE, which is characterised by a build-up of tau proteins that can impair memory, judgment, and cause confusion. The study also found CTE in 48 of 53 college players and three of 14 high school players, highlighting the risks across all levels of American football.
Lead author Dr Ann McKee cautioned that the results may be skewed due to selection bias, as many brains were donated by families who suspected CTE. Nevertheless, she stated: 'There's no question that there's a problem in football. That people who play football are at risk for this disease.'
The NFL acknowledged the study's value but noted there are 'still many unanswered questions' about CTE. The league first admitted a link between football and CTE in 2016, following a class-action lawsuit by thousands of former players alleging brain damage from concussions.
The findings come amid ongoing legal battles, including a $75 million settlement involving college players. The study underscores the urgent need for better prevention and treatment of head injuries in American football.
