NFL study finds CTE in 215 of 878 former players

August 25, 2026 at 03:17 PM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A study of 878 former NFL players found chronic traumatic encephalopathy in 215 brains examined. The findings suggest at least 25 percent of NFL players will develop the disease. The total likely undercounts the true prevalence, as many brains were not tested.

Key Facts

At least 215 of 878 former NFL players were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The study suggests at least 25 percent of NFL players will suffer brain disease.
The total does not include brains examined by unaffiliated scientists or those with severe symptoms not tested at death.

Study Findings

Researchers examined the brains of 878 former NFL players and found CTE in 215 of them. The study indicates that at least 25 percent of NFL players will develop the disease. The actual number is likely higher because several brains examined by other scientists were not included. Additionally, many players with severe symptoms were not tested after death.

Data Limitations

The total excludes brains examined by scientists not affiliated with the researchers. It also omits players widely presumed to have had CTE due to symptom severity but not tested at death. These exclusions suggest the reported figure of 215 cases is a conservative estimate.