Study Estimates CTE Prevalence in Former NFL Players

New research suggests 74.5% of deceased former NFL players had chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Alzheimer’s

Study Estimates CTE Prevalence in Former NFL Players

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A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimates that 74.5% of deceased former NFL players had CTE. The findings also suggest that 27.2% of these players experienced dementia during their lifetimes.

Why it matters

Researchers conducted this analysis to narrow the broad range of previous estimates regarding the prevalence of CTE, a condition involving abnormal protein buildup that damages brain tissue.

The study analyzed 2,362 deceased former NFL players and adjusted for donor bias, noting that families who observed cognitive symptoms were five times more likely to donate. Results established a conservative lower bound for CTE prevalence at 60%.

The players

Journal of the American Medical Association

This is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association that features original research and clinical studies.

Boston University

This research university is the home institution of the researchers who conducted the study on CTE prevalence.

NFL

The National Football League is the professional American football league that has previously pledged $100 million toward player safety initiatives.

The details

The researchers accounted for selection bias by adjusting their analysis to reflect that brain donations are more frequent when cognitive symptoms were apparent during life. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy remains a condition that can only be diagnosed through post-mortem examination.

The current study was published in JAMA on October 28, 2026.
An earlier study on CTE prevalence was published in August 2026.
The NFL announced the Play Safe Play Smart initiative in September 2016.
Data for the earlier study included deceased players from the 2016-2021 period.

The Big Picture

This study updates the understanding of neurological health risks in professional football, following the long-term focus established by the NFL's Play Safe Play Smart initiative. It marks a significant shift in quantifying the impact of repeat head impacts.

The findings highlight the ongoing need for long-term neurological monitoring among former contact sports athletes. Understanding these risks assists medical professionals in identifying and managing cognitive symptoms earlier in former players.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of continued research into the long-term neurological impacts of professional football. Former players and their families should remain vigilant in monitoring for cognitive changes and seek professional medical guidance.