Researchers at the nation’s largest brain bank have concluded a study on the brains of 128 former high school, college, semi-pro and professional football players and found that 101 (80%) tested positive for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. Even more alarming is that out of 79 former NFL players examined, a whopping 76 showed signs of the degenerative brain disease, no doubt due to prolonged careers that extended well beyond the amateur ranks. Researchers admit that the population sample is skewed due to the fact CTE can’t be diagnosed until a posthumous examination, and many of the brains researched were donated by players who suspected they had the condition while still alive. But the numbers overwhelmingly suggest a link between football and brain injuries:
“Obviously this high percentage of living individuals is not suffering from CTE,” said (Dr. Ann) McKee, a neuropathologist who directs the brain bank as part of a collaboration between the VA and Boston University’s CTE Center. But “playing football, and the higher the level you play football and the longer you play football, the higher your risk.”
The list of deceased NFL players who have been confirmed to suffer from CTE include San Diego Chargers great Junior Seau, Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson, Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster and, most recently, Jovan Belcher, who committed suicide outside the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice facility after shooting and killing his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, in 2012.
[PBS]
