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Study reveals one in four former NFL players develop brain diseases

A new study indicates that 25% of former NFL players show chronic traumatic encephalopathy, with numbers exceeding 90% in specific analyses.

25 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Study reveals one in four former NFL players develop brain diseases — Archive photoPhoto: Junius · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

A study released this Tuesday (25) reveals that at least one in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

According to the researchers, the estimated 25% is the "minimum threshold," with numbers soaring to 91.5% when only the brains analyzed in the study are considered.

The research highlights the risks associated with playing American football and the possibility of developing degenerative brain diseases among players.

The findings underscore the importance of ongoing investigation into the effects of concussions and brain injuries in sports.

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