Study: 1 in 4 Deceased Former NFL Players Had CTE, Majority of Head Impacts Occur in Practice

The findings, published in a peer-reviewed journal and reported by ABC News, add to a growing body of evidence connecting professional American football to long-term neurological damage. Researchers analyzed available brain tissue from former NFL players who died during the five-year window and found CTE pathology in 25% of cases. While the sample is not necessarily representative of all former players, the prevalence rate is consistent with earlier studies that have shown elevated risk among those with lengthy playing careers.

The study also tracked head impact data using helmet sensors and video analysis, concluding that the majority of hits to the head occur during practices—not the high-profile games that draw most media and regulatory attention. This finding suggests that efforts to reduce concussion risk may need to shift focus from game-day rule changes to practice structure and contact frequency.

CTE can only be diagnosed post-mortem, and symptoms often include memory loss, confusion, depression, and aggression. The NFL has faced decades of litigation and criticism over its handling of head injuries, including a landmark $1 billion settlement with former players in 2013. Since then, the league has implemented rules limiting full-contact practices and improved concussion protocols, but critics argue the changes remain insufficient.

The new study's authors emphasize that their work is part of ongoing surveillance and that larger, longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand risk factors. They also note that not every player with repeated head impacts develops CTE, suggesting genetic or other biological factors may play a role.

Reaction from the NFL has been measured. The league stated that it continues to invest in safety research and has made "meaningful progress" in reducing head impacts. However, the players' union has called for more independent oversight and mandatory limitations on practice contact, pointing to the 70% figure as evidence that current policies are inadequate.

This study arrives as youth and high school football participation remains high, and state legislatures in the U.S. debate concussion protocols for young athletes. The high proportion of impacts in practice raises particular concern for younger players, who may face cumulative exposure over many seasons before even reaching the professional level.

Why This Matters

The finding that 70% of head impacts occur in practice challenges the current regulatory focus on games and could shift how safety policies are designed at all levels of football.
A 25% CTE rate among deceased former NFL players underscores the long-term health risks of the sport and may influence future litigation, insurance, and player career decisions.
If practice impacts are proven to be the main driver of CTE risk, leagues could face pressure to severely limit or eliminate full-contact training, altering the nature of the sport.

Background

CTE has been a central issue in football since the early 2000s, when neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu first identified the disease in former Pittsburgh Steelers players. The NFL initially resisted the link but later acknowledged the connection after a series of suicides by ex-players and mounting scientific evidence. In 2015, a Boston University study found CTE in 87 of 91 former NFL players examined, though that sample was biased toward symptomatic players. The current study adds to the data with a more time-restricted sample. The NFL has gradually modified rules: limiting full-contact practices to 14 per season, banning certain tackle types, and instituting concussion protocols. However, independent researchers argue that the league's own data shows only modest reductions in head impacts, and that practice rules are still too permissive.

Key Perspectives

[Researchers]: The study's authors stress that while the 25% figure is alarming, the sample is limited to those who died and donated their brains, which may skew toward symptomatic individuals. They call for mandatory baseline testing and larger prospective studies to confirm the findings. [NFL League Office]: The NFL has pointed to rule changes and safety equipment improvements as evidence of progress. They note that concussion rates have declined in recent years and that practice contact limits have been in place since 2012. The league is likely to argue that the 70% practice impact figure does not account for the severity of hits during games. [NFL Players Association (NFLPA)]: The union has pushed for more aggressive limits on practice contact, including a maximum of one full-contact practice per week during the season and none in the offseason. They view the 70% statistic as proof that players need stronger protections during training. [Critics and Retired Players]: Former players and advocacy groups argue that the NFL continues to prioritize competitive advantage over safety. They point to ongoing lawsuits and the league's history of downplaying risk as evidence that independent medical oversight is essential.

What to Watch

Changes to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement: The current CBA expires in 2030, but injury-related provisions can be reopened earlier. The NFLPA may use this study to demand stricter practice contact limits.
Youth football policy: Several states are considering laws that ban or limit tackle football for children under a certain age. The 70% practice impact finding could strengthen the case for such legislation.
Future CTE prevalence studies: Researchers are working on developing biomarkers and imaging techniques for live CTE diagnosis. If successful, that could transform the debate from statistical risk to individual prediction.
Civil litigation: This study could be cited as evidence in ongoing or future lawsuits by former players claiming the NFL knew about CTE risks but failed to protect them.

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