A new study by Dr. Ann McKee examined the brains of 202 deceased football players. This Boston University CTE research reveals shocking results. Out of 111 of the brains of former NFL players, 110 of them had Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Boston University CTE Research Reveals Shocking Results
202 former football players, including 111 NFL players, agreed to donate their brains to this research. The study examined players from as young as 23 years of age to as old as 89. These came from all player positions as well, including 44 linemen, ten linebackers, 17 defensive backs, and seven quarterbacks. 177 of the 202 brains were diagnosed with CTE. These results of the study were posted in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
CTE is a neurodegenerative brain disease which can be found in people who have been exposed to repeated head trauma. The repetitive blows to the head cause a buildup of abnormal tau protein in the brain. These proteins can disable neuropathways and lead to a variety of clinical symptoms. These symptoms include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, aggression, depression, anxiety, and sometimes suicidal behavior. Unfortunately, the only method of formally diagnosing CTE is through an autopsy.
The NFL denied for years that there was a connection between head trauma and CTE. With star quarterbacks like Troy Aikman and Steve Young retiring early from concussions, the league downplayed the severity of head injuries. The NFL even went as far as omitting over 100 cases of concussions to make it seem like less of an issue. It wasn’t until 2016 that the NFL admitted there was a connection between head trauma and CTE.
With these harrowing results uncovered by Dr. McKee’s research, there’s no denying the NFL has a real problem on their hands. A billion dollar settlement was reached between the NFL and it’s former players last year. The NFL even pledged $100 million towards funding concussion-related research. Hopefully a solution can be found to help save football and it’s players.
