Brain disease found in at least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died between 2016–2021

A new study found that at least one in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease. Researchers warn the true figure is likely higher, as not all brains were examined post-mortem. The findings intensify debate over the long-term safety of professional American football.