NFL players face high risks of CTE and Parkinson’s disease

A study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that approximately 74.5% of deceased former NFL players suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma. Researchers noted that while brain bank data may contain a selection bias because families of symptomatic individuals are more likely to donate, the findings highlight the impact of cumulative exposure to impacts.

Recent reports also connect professional football to other neurological conditions. Former running back Marshall Faulk has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, while Lawrence McCutcheon, a former Los Angeles Rams running back, recently passed away following a battle with the same condition. Additionally, NFL player Ryan Kelly reported that concussions forced him to end his professional career.