With results from a new study of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) finding that 1-in-4 former NFL players who died from 2016-21 suffered from the degenerative brain disease, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) sent a strong message to its membership on Tuesday that urged vigilance and a commitment to further research.
Shortly after results from researchers at Mass General Brigham and Boston University were published in The British Medical Journal – of 878 deaths over the 6-year period, 91.4% of 231 players who donated brains were discovered to have CTE – the players union responded with a lengthy email to all active and former players.
The email, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, suggests a "call to action across the entire football ecosystem."
It also outlined available resources for players.
A similar email was also sent to spouses and significant others of players.
CTE, also discovered in former players from other sports, including hockey and soccer, at this point can be solely confirmed posthumously.
The NFLPA's letter to its members
Here's the entire text of the email the NFLPA sent to its members regarding the CTE study:
"As members of this union, protecting your health and safety is one of our core priorities. Every day, we are focused on improving player safety on the field and supporting healthier lives long after football.
"Today, Massachusetts General Brigham and Boston University released a new study examining the prevalence of CTE among NFL players. The findings are a sobering reminder that football carries serious risks that can have lasting consequences for players and their families.
"In short, the study suggests that CTE may be significantly more common among NFL players than previously understood, reinforcing the importance of continued research, care, and support.
"We understand that studies like this can create concern for you and your loved ones. At the same time, they should not diminish hope.
"While CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death, many symptoms commonly associated with CTE, including memory challenges, mood changes, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, may also be caused by other medical or neurological conditions, many of which can be treated or managed. That is why a thorough medical evaluation is so important.
"According to Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, one of the lead researchers on the study, 'Many of the symptoms associated with CTE are treatable with the right care.' He stressed that 'While we don’t have a cure yet, we have seen improvements in players who receive care from doctors specializing in neurodegenerative disease and who know how to treat athletes. No one should walk away thinking there's nothing they can do.'
"Research continues to improve our understanding of brain health and identify new ways to support players. That is why the NFLPA has made major investments in brain health research and care with leading institutions such as the American Brain Foundation and the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University.
"We also provide resources for former players through our Former Players Department, the Professional Athletes Foundation, and the Trust, offering comprehensive evaluations, wellness support, care navigation, and treatment resources.
"These findings should serve as a call to action across the entire football ecosystem. We all share a responsibility to advance research, improve access to care, develop better treatments, and support those affected by the long-term impacts of the game. While we have learned a great deal over the past two decades, there is more work to do.
"Pay attention to your cognitive, neurological, and overall health. If you have concerns, seek evaluation and support. Early intervention matters. Resources are available today that can help.
"We'll also host calls with medical experts over the next two weeks to provide additional context and answer questions. More details will be shared in the coming days."
Follow Jarrett Bell on X: @JarrettBell
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFLPA responds to CTE report with strong message to its membership
