On Tuesday morning, the Concussion & CTE Foundation announced that former NFL Hall of Fame defensive tackle Steve McMichael had been diagnosed with stage 3 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) before his death in April 2025 at the age of 67. McMichael’s wife, Misty McMichael, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the link between CTE and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stating that many NFL players develop ALS during their lives and are diagnosed with CTE posthumously. Research has shown that NFL players are over four times more likely to develop ALS compared to the general male population. While the NFL has acknowledged the risks associated with concussions and made rule changes to mitigate brain injuries, the long-term effects of these changes on current players remain uncertain. The development of a reliable CTE test for living players could have significant implications for the sport and its future.
Why It Matters
This story highlights ongoing concerns regarding the health risks associated with playing professional football, particularly the relationship between CTE and ALS among former players. Historical data indicates that many retired NFL players have been found to have CTE, raising questions about the safety of the sport and the effectiveness of rule changes implemented since 2009. Research from Harvard Medical School and the Boston University CTE Center has established that NFL players have a significantly higher risk of developing ALS than the general population. Understanding these health issues is crucial for informing current and future players about the risks they face and could influence changes in how the game is played.
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