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NFL Veterans' Suicide Rate Alarms Harvard Study
14 Jan
Summary
- Ex-NFL player suicide rate was 2.6 times higher than NBA/MLB counterparts.
- Study suggests increased CTE awareness may correlate with suicide rise.
- NFL and players' union urge retired athletes to use mental health resources.
A Harvard study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma highlights a significant increase in suicides among former NFL players between 2011 and 2019. The research found these rates to be 2.6 times higher than those of former NBA and MLB athletes over the same period.
This finding coincides with a heightened public awareness of CTE, a degenerative brain disease often diagnosed posthumously. Researchers suggest this increased attention, alongside other health issues like depression and low testosterone, could be contributing factors to the alarming trend.
In response, both the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have reiterated their commitment to supporting retired players' mental well-being. They encourage former athletes to access available health and counseling resources to address any concerning symptoms.
