A new study estimates that 75% of NFL players who died over a 15-year period had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), highlighting the long-term risks of repeated head trauma in professional football.
The research examined the brains of former NFL players who died during the studied timeframe, reinforcing concerns about the prevalence of the degenerative brain disease among athletes with a history of repetitive head impacts.
CTE is associated with memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, and progressive dementia. The study's findings add to a growing body of evidence linking contact sports to neurodegenerative conditions.
Separately, the Social Security Administration does not require a confirmed CTE diagnosis for disability benefits, allowing affected former players to qualify based on documented symptoms and medical evidence.
