Study Finds Former NFL Players Face Nearly Fourfold Higher Neurodegenerative Death Rate

Researchers say the excess risk tracks with career length and high-speed positions and urges expanded neurological care and focused research.

Overview

The study of 19,824 players who debuted between 1960 and 2019, published July 14, 2026, matched National Death Index records and found 178 neurodegenerative deaths among 1,994 deceased players.
Researchers report an unadjusted standardized mortality ratio of about 3.94 for neurodegenerative disease and an adjusted estimate near threefold after accounting for competing risks and survivorship effects.
Longer careers and playing in 'speed' positions showed a dose–response pattern with higher neurodegenerative mortality, which authors link to greater cumulative repetitive head impacts.
Advocates and coauthors highlighted an alarming cluster of early-onset ALS, noting 10 NFL player deaths before age 50 versus roughly 0.24 expected in a cohort this size.
The study notes limits such as reliance on death certificates and possible residual confounding while prompting calls for better access to specialized neurological care, targeted research on mechanisms and prevention, and policy actions.