Study Finds CTE in 215 of 235 Ex-NFL Players as Veterans Demand Broader Health Support
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 4
Study Finds CTE in 215 of 235 Ex-NFL Players as Veterans Demand Broader Health Support
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Sep 4
Summary
215 of 235 deceased former NFL players examined between 2016 and 2021 showed evidence of CTE, a finding that drove Sports Illustrated interviews with 10 retired players about concussion risks and life after football.
Several players said they would still choose football despite the danger, while describing an era when concussions were ignored, players practiced through headaches, and repeated "bell rung" episodes were treated as routine.
Former players split on whether the NFL has improved safety enough: some said modern camps and protocols are better, while others argued added games, Thursday matchups and league expansion reflect money overriding health concerns.
Calls for stronger post-career support ran through the interviews, including lifetime or annual health screening, widows' benefits, and direct payments ranging from $200,000 a year to $1 million per player.
The debate revives a long-running issue the NFL tried to address with a $765 million 2013 settlement with more than 18,000 retired players, but the new study and cases such as Roger Craig's dementia have renewed pressure.