It’s been in the news, and now it’s grabbed the attention of the NFL world – CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. The degenerative disease caused by repeated head traumas has taken its toll on many NFL players, and it’s a worrying trend that needs to be addressed.
So, how many NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE? It’s hard to put an exact number on it, but evidence puts it between three and four dozen. While that’s only a fraction of the number of players in the league, it’s still a concerning figure, especially when you consider the long term implications of the disease.
Having CTE can lead to depression, memory loss, and even suicidal thoughts and impulses; these effects can be permanent and can last a lifetime. It’s heartbreaking to think of how many athletes have had to struggle through the traumatic toll of CTE during their careers, and even after.
It’s even worse to think of how many players might still suffer from CTE without even knowing it. After all, much of the recognition of CTE is based on retrospective diagnosis of the brain tissue of deceased patients. It’s possible that there are people out there who have CTE and don’t even know it.
The NFL has finally taken notice of CTE and has started to make changes to promote the health and well-being of its players. From tweaks to the helmet design to better enforcement of concussion protocols, the league is slowly, but surely, taking steps to make the game safer for everyone.
The league recognizes that CTE is an issue worth addressing and has put in the effort and resources to try and minimize the damage it inflicts. Still, there is a long way to go before CTE is fully understood and addressed by the NFL, and a lot of work to do to make sure it remains a priority issue.
It’s encouraging to see that the NFL has finally taken notice of the issue, but there’s still much more to be done. Head injuries are a big part of the game, and it’s positively essential that measures be put in place to protect players from the long-term effects of CTE.
It’s impossible to mitigate the risk of head trauma in the NFL completely, but steps must be taken to reduce the risks as much as possible. In addition to improvements to the helmet design, the NFL should also be doing more to enforce concussion protocols and monitoring player health.
I also believe that knowledge about CTE should be made more widely available to players and fans alike. Knowing the implications of CTE can help make people aware of the risks, and preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the chances of it.
This knowledge can make the game safer, not just for players, but for everyone around it, from the coaches to the fans in the stands. Too many players have already suffered from CTE; hopefully, with more education and preventive measures, fewer will have to suffer in the future.