Study estimates about 75% of NFL players who died in 2008-2023 had CTE

A study published Wednesday in JAMA Network Open estimates that about 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. The Boston University-led team, with lead author Julia Gallini, analyzed records for 2,362 deceased players who averaged five years in the league. Of the roughly 390 players whose brains were donated, 362 of 387 in one count, or 93.5%, showed CTE. To correct for selection bias among donors, the researchers estimated the rate across all players, about 1,760 of roughly 2,360. CTE is a degenerative disease linked to repeated blows to the head and can only be diagnosed after death. The authors said community brain banks find it in less than 1% of donors. The work builds on an August study that estimated 25% to 98% for players who died in 2016-2021. Gallini said the findings suggest a need to support families, diagnose CTE during life and treat symptoms.

Just the News, on the right, leads with the "peer-reviewed" label and calls the figure the highest estimate to date. It adds, citing NBC News, that not all people with CTE develop cognitive decline and that only 27% of players were believed to have dementia. It also gives the NFL Players Association's response that the study is "critical" to understanding long-term impact. CBS News and The Guardian US, on the left, lead with the 75% figure as well. CBS foregrounds Gallini's statement and Boston University's explanation of selection bias. The Guardian gives the 2,362-player sample, the 93.5% donor rate and the physical markers of the disease, brain atrophy and tau buildup. Neither left outlet, in the portions provided, mentions dementia rates or the union. All three agree on the 75% estimate and the earlier August study. CBS describes a 16-year span; the others say 15. Alternative and independent outlets had not reported this story at the time of writing, while left- and right-leaning outlets had.