New study finds 3 of 4 dead NFL players likely had CTE

Researchers at Boston University estimate that three out of four former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 most likely had chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The finding, published on Wednesday, represents the highest prevalence estimate for the degenerative brain disease to date. The study analyzed 396 donated brains along with national death records for 1,966 other deceased former players. This data allowed scientists to account for the fact that families of players with cognitive decline are more likely to donate brains for autopsies.

The new figures follow an earlier study from April that examined brains from players who died between 2016 and 2021. That research found that at least one in four deceased players had CTE. The medical community notes that CTE is a progressive condition caused by repeated head impacts. It involves the buildup of an abnormal protein called tau and can only be definitively diagnosed after death. While concussions can contribute to the disease, researchers state that players who never suffered a concussion remain at risk.

Parents across the country are citing these medical findings as a reason to steer their children away from tackle football. Sandeep Basran, a Chicago resident, has placed his nine-year-old son in a flag football league. Basran, who serves as an assistant coach, said he worries about the cumulative effect of minor repetitive hits. He noted that his son also plays basketball, tennis, and golf, and the family wants to avoid injuries that could sideline him in other sports. "My understanding, based on the research, is that it’s not just the big hits that affect the brain," Basran said.

Flag football has seen substantial growth among youth. According to an Aspen Institute report released last year, flag was the only team sport that increased in participation among children aged six to 17 between 2019 and 2024. During that period, tackle football participation dropped by 7%, while flag rose by 14%. By 2024, 4% of kids aged six to 12 played flag, compared to 2.7% who played tackle. For older youths aged 13 to 17, tackle remains more popular, with 6.4% participation compared to 2.8% for flag.

League owners report that flag is becoming a primary outlet for girls to play football. Joe Becker, owner of i9 Sports in Chicago, highlighted that flag is now an official Illinois sport for high school girls. Tim Lewis, a coach in San Diego, noted rapid growth in girls' flag programs. He pointed to a recent game at Torrey Pines High School where players received individual announcements during halftime. The NFL supports this trend through its NFL FLAG program, which serves more than 620,000 children ages four to 17 nationwide.

Experts suggest that reducing head impacts in youth practice can lower CTE risk. Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, lead author of the August study, said limiting young people's participation in tackle would help. Robert Stern, a co-founder of Boston University's CTE Center, described the human brain as not being built for repeated impacts. "We’re not meant to be woodpeckers," Stern said. The sport is scheduled to debut as an official Olympic event at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.