The years-long history between CTE and the NFL

CTE and NFL's Response - The NFL's lack of response to claims related to CTE brings renewed attention to the brain disease's impact [1] - The disease re-emerged in public consciousness following Dr Omalo's 2002 autopsy of Iron Mike Webster [1] - The league denied any connection between the sport and brain damage for years, then issued new guidelines in 2007 [4] - 12 years ago, the league reached a settlement with players in a concussion class action, avoiding revealing what it knew about the risks and then admitting in a 2016 hearing on Capitol Hill [5] CTE and Player Risk - BU's data indicates a football player's likelihood of developing CTE doubles for every 25 years (2 and a half years) they play [2] - Multiple suicides by former NFL players, including Terry Long, Dave Dwerson, Javon Belchure, and Philip Adams, were linked to CTE [2][3][4] - Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, convicted of murder, died by suicide in prison and was diagnosed with CTE [4] NFL's Efforts and Future Concerns - The NFL is investing millions in helmet technology, including guardian caps, although their popularity with NFL players was limited last year [5] - The effectiveness of such gear in reversing declining youth football participation due to safety concerns remains uncertain [5]