Researchers have unveiled the largest study of its kind, examining the brains of deceased NFL players and revealing significant findings related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This degenerative brain disease is commonly associated with repeated head impacts sustained during professional football.

The study highlights that at least one in four former NFL players who have passed away in recent years suffered from CTE. This ratio underscores the potential risks associated with the sport and provides valuable insights into its impact on players’ long-term health.

The true prevalence of brain disease at death is probably higher,

said Ann McKee, director of Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center. Her statement suggests that many cases of CTE might not be fully documented or diagnosed upon the players’ deaths, indicating a possibly larger scale of the issue.