A recent study has found that 96 percent of deceased NFL players suffered from the degenerative brain disease known as CTE.
The NFL turned a blind eye to the danger of concussions for years, and while the league’s denial of the issue will potentially cost them somewhere in the area of $1 billion, it is the players who have paid the biggest price.
Next: Top 30 Quarterbacks in NFL History
According to PBS, study conducted by the by the Department of Veteran Affairs and Boston University has found that 96 percent of deceased NFL players whose brains they have examined tested positive for the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy, better known as CTE.
The disease is believed to be onset by repetitive head trauma. The most prevalent effects from CTE are dementia, memory loss, and depression according to the study.
According to the report, offensive and defensive lineman made up 40 percent of the positive tests among the 165 subjects that were examined.
A spokesperson for the NFL said the following in a statement, via PBS:
"“We are dedicated to making football safer and continue to take steps to protect players, including rule changes, advanced sideline technology, and expanded medical resources. We continue to make significant investments in independent research through our gifts to Boston University, the [National Institutes of Health] and other efforts to accelerate the science and understanding of these issues.”"
While the NFL has placed a recent emphasis on the dangers of head trauma, it appears that their efforts may be too late.
The first major link between concussions among NFL players and and chronic head trauma emerged in 2005, when Dr. Bennet Omalu found evidence of CTE in the brain of deceased Hall of Fame offensive lineman Mike Webster. Webster suffered with an array of physical and mental ailments related to his playing days, and passed away at the age of 50 years old.
Since then, the effects of CTE have been linked to multiple suicides among former players, and as a result, concussions have become a national issue that transcends sports. The NFL has reached a potential $1 billion settlement with an estimated 5,000 former players.
The story will continue to be a national headline in the near future, with Dr. Omalu being portrayed by Will Smith in the upcoming film Concussion, which details the story his monumental discovery that forced the NFL to end its denial and turn its focus to the safety of its players.
The NFL has gone to great lengths in changing its rules and conducting research to ensure the safety of its players going forward, both during their playing career and after. Unfortunately, those changes provide little solace for the former players and their families who are forced to live with the consequences.
Next: Top 30 NFL Teams of the Modern Era
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle