DoubleChecks

What was claimed

A new study found that about three in four deceased NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had CTE

Our verdict

Accurate

The study estimated that 74.5% of 2,362 deceased former NFL players from 2008–2023 likely had CTE. The wording should be understood as an estimate, because most players' brains were not examined directly.

Combined assessment17 sourcesChecked Oct 29, 2026

Why this verdict

  • A new study found that about three in four deceased NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had CTE

    Verified
    All assessments reached this conclusion

Evidence reviewed

17 sources

Perplexity, Claude and ChatGPT sources are combined here.

wmur.comhuffpost.comcourthousenews.comscientificamerican.comnewser.comstraitstimes.comespn.compeople.comespn.clwqad.com

Individual assessments

Assessment summary

  • The claim is broadly accurate.
  • A JAMA Network Open study estimated that 74.5% of 2,362 former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 likely had CTE, though the figure is an estimate rather than a direct diagnosis for every player.wmur.com huffpost.com

Claims reviewed

A new study found that about three in four deceased NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had CTE

Verified
The study estimated that 74.5% of 2,362 deceased former NFL players from 2008–2023 likely had CTE.wmur.com huffpost.com The wording should be understood as an estimate, because most players' brains were not examined directly.

Assessment summary

  • The claim accurately reflects a major study published October 28, 2026, in JAMA Network Open by Boston University researchers.
  • The study found that approximately 74.5% of deceased NFL players from 2008-2023 had CTE, which aligns with the "about three in four" (75%) characterization in the statement.

Claims reviewed

A new study found that about three in four deceased NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had CTE

Verified
Multiple sources confirm a Boston University study published October 28, 2026, in JAMA Network Open estimated 74.5% (approximately three in four) of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had CTE. The study analyzed 2,362 deceased players and adjusted for selection bias in brain donation patterns.

Assessment summary

  • The statement accurately summarizes a recent JAMA Network Open analysis estimating about 74.5% prevalence of CTE at death among former NFL players who died from 2008–2023.
  • The estimate (about three in four) comes from bias-adjusted analyses combining donated-brain neuropathology and death records.

Claims reviewed

A new study found that about three in four deceased NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had CTE

Verified
A JAMA Network Open study estimated 74.5% (≈ three in four) of deceased NFL players had CTE at death for the 2008–2023 period after adjustment for selection bias. The finding is reported by the authors and summarized by Boston University and multiple news outlets. jamanetwork.com bu.edu massgeneralbrigham.org

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