“The Boston University CTE Center announced today that they have now diagnosed 345 former NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) out of 376 former players studied (91.7 percent) (“Researchers Find CTE in 345 of 376 Former NFL Players Studied | Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine”).” As we see it, CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) cases are increasing as the sport continues to progress. Some of the most infamous cases of CTE rapidly affecting players like Aaron Hernandez, a former tight end on the Patriots, and Antonio Brown, former wide receiver for the Steelers. As it stands, the National Football league is working to provide the proper resources for players to avoid CTE diagnoses.

CTE has been a critical issue stemming from high contact sports, particularly football, for quite some time. The first CTE case ever recorded in the NFL was in 2002. Mike Webster from the Pittsburgh Steelers, was one of the first football players to be publicly diagnosed with the brain injury, this would set precedents for the duration of the sport. Since the disease is still being researched and understood, researchers are still figuring out how to diagnose the brain injury while victims are still alive. As it stands today, CTE is detectable after death, once an autopsy is performed. Symptoms that occur while victims are still alive are hostility, memory loss, depression, and lack of focus. Since these symptoms are so broad, it’s hard for doctors to pinpoint if they are associated with CTE.

While the disease is still being studied, the NFL is working to combat the number of diagnoses within the organization. Recently, the NFL has engineered six helmets that can be used to combat severe head injuries. While these helmets are being tested, players are receiving real time feedback that details how the helmets are performing. The NFL hopes to incorporate these helmets into every single locker room as soon as possible. Navigating how to combat CTE injuries and concussions begins with every player becoming accountable. The NFL is now issuing Guardian Caps to players who wish to wear them. Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback on the Miami Dolphins, has been a great advocate in CTE and concussion discussion. He has been seen sporting the cap that is designed to prevent severe head injuries.

As studies progress, researchers are worried that cures and diagnoses will be far from implementation. However, the NFL is slowly working to fund studies and provide resources for players. Commercials are being aired that explain the dangers of not taking precaution during games as well. The push for medical reform within the NFL has taken a huge turn since players are beginning to speak on it. Many parents and sports fanatics are also beginning to understand the long-term consequences of CTE and how to spot it. As treatments are in development, more players are opting to take safety precautions. Over 240 players have opted to wear safety helmets as a result of CTE observations and studies. More funding is also being put into finding safer uniform alternatives for players.

Overall, CTE is still a relatively new disease that is going to take a lot of research to combat. The NFL and its players are consistently working to find deterrents and treatments for players experiencing symptoms. The culture surrounding these injuries have been taken more seriously as time has gone on. More players are coming out and speaking about self-care and how to properly manage a career in sports while remaining safe. As time goes on, I imagine we will begin to learn more about the disease and how to treat it. Hopefully, researchers will find a cure to keep players safe on and off the field.