Jill Arrington retweeted
“I knew the risks.” But did he? And, more importantly, do the 2 million kids playing tackle football today know what they’re truly signing up for?
This week, we published new research estimating that 75% of NFL players who died over a 15-year period had chronic traumatic Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who played 14 seasons in the NFL, was asked about the study during a press conference. His response? “I knew what the risks were.”
We hear this argument often when it comes to professional athletes. And perhaps some players today do understand the risks. But many athletes made decisions about their careers before the long-term consequences of repetitive head impacts were widely understood.
And there's an even bigger question we can't ignore: What about the kids?
The 2 million children playing tackle football aren't necessarily equipped to understand the potential long-term consequences of repetitive head impacts. Yet they're making decisions about a sport that could have lifelong implications.
We have laws in place to protect children from other activities that carry significant risks, like smoking, drinking, and driving, so why not have meaningful protections in youth sports, too? How about a minimum age to get CTE? Should any child be allowed (encouraged) to take hundreds of head impacts a year? Or flag football under 14 the only sensible way to play?
To learn more about our efforts, visit EndCTE.org.
This week, we published new research estimating that 75% of NFL players who died over a 15-year period had chronic traumatic Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who played 14 seasons in the NFL, was asked about the study during a press conference. His response? “I knew what the risks were.”
We hear this argument often when it comes to professional athletes. And perhaps some players today do understand the risks. But many athletes made decisions about their careers before the long-term consequences of repetitive head impacts were widely understood.
And there's an even bigger question we can't ignore: What about the kids?
The 2 million children playing tackle football aren't necessarily equipped to understand the potential long-term consequences of repetitive head impacts. Yet they're making decisions about a sport that could have lifelong implications.
We have laws in place to protect children from other activities that carry significant risks, like smoking, drinking, and driving, so why not have meaningful protections in youth sports, too? How about a minimum age to get CTE? Should any child be allowed (encouraged) to take hundreds of head impacts a year? Or flag football under 14 the only sensible way to play?
To learn more about our efforts, visit EndCTE.org.
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Jill Arrington retweeted
While we’re mere days into what’s sure to be a lengthy press tour, Elle Fanning is already showing us what she’s made of. vogue.com/article/elle-f…
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Jill Arrington retweeted
Smashing. The cast and filmmakers of #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping take London.
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Jill Arrington retweeted
Repetitive head impacts can trigger chronic inflammation independent of CTE. This inflammation may contribute to depression and cognitive symptoms that could be treatable.
A first-of-its-kind clinical trial with Emory University School of Medicine is investigating baricitinib, ug.
Men ages 30–65 with 11+ years of football experience may qualify in Atlanta.
Learn more: ConcussionAndCTE.org/BariStudy
A first-of-its-kind clinical trial with Emory University School of Medicine is investigating baricitinib, ug.
Men ages 30–65 with 11+ years of football experience may qualify in Atlanta.
Learn more: ConcussionAndCTE.org/BariStudy
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Jill Arrington retweeted
A new study estimates 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008–2023 had CTE. What comes next?
@DannyWuerffel, former NFL QB and Heisman Trophy winner, believes difficult news can motivate us to come together, advance research, and make a difference.
The findings are inues.
@DannyWuerffel, former NFL QB and Heisman Trophy winner, believes difficult news can motivate us to come together, advance research, and make a difference.
The findings are inues.
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Jill Arrington retweeted
An estimated 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, the neurodegenerative brain disease tied to high-impact sports such as football, according to a new study.
espn.com/nfl/story/_/id…
espn.com/nfl/story/_/id…
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Jill Arrington retweeted
@AdamSchefter one of the players in this study.
Anyone remotely following this topic for the last decade shouldn’t be surprised by these numbers. The question stopped being “is CTE real?” years ago. Now it's a matter of understanding the true scope: at the professional level, yes, but also collegiate, high school, and youth. In our veteran population, where traumatic brain injury remains the signature wound of America’s longest wars. For victims of domestic abuse, and for everyone else exposed to repetitive head trauma—sub-concussive or otherwise.
My father co-founded the @NFLPA in the 1950s when players were fighting for a pension and insurance. When getting injured meant possibly losing one’s livelihood. He was the highest-salaried player in the league, the brightest star in the largest market. He didn’t need these benefits the way some of his teammates and their families did. He didn’t need to get involved. But he stuck his neck out for them anyway. For his teammates. For his brothers. At a time when unionizing meant a serious risk to the life he had built after being born into abject poverty during the Great Depression.
For that, he is my hero.
Not because he was the best player in the world in 1956, or the greatest running back ever to play for the New York Giants.
Because when his teammates were hurting, he cared enough to do something about it.
Credit belongs to @ChrisNowinski1 and his colleagues at the @ConcussionCTEfn & CTE Foundation for shifting the national conversation to what actually matters now: understanding how far this goes, preventing CTE, and finding a cure.
As a son and as a caregiver who has lived in this world for the better part of the last two decades, I feel qualified enough to propose three simple, likely imperfect suggestions:
1. Educate parents and decision-makers about avoiding contact football for as long as possible, with flag as a wonderful and low-risk alternative now being embraced by the NFL.
2. Require informed consent for high school, collegiate, and professional players through independent consultants (not team doctors) who speak plainly to the true cost of participation. There is a clear correlation between years played and the probability of developing neurodegenerative problems. If you choose to play, start later.
3. Leverage academia and relevant government agencies to create a funnel that directs funding toward further research, but more importantly toward supporting the costly development of diagnostics and therapeutics for those already suffering.
My father loved football. He loved the Giants, and he loved the Mara and Tisch families.
We now know #CTE is real. It transcends football, and it has generational costs.
Anyone remotely following this topic for the last decade shouldn’t be surprised by these numbers. The question stopped being “is CTE real?” years ago. Now it's a matter of understanding the true scope: at the professional level, yes, but also collegiate, high school, and youth. In our veteran population, where traumatic brain injury remains the signature wound of America’s longest wars. For victims of domestic abuse, and for everyone else exposed to repetitive head trauma—sub-concussive or otherwise.
My father co-founded the @NFLPA in the 1950s when players were fighting for a pension and insurance. When getting injured meant possibly losing one’s livelihood. He was the highest-salaried player in the league, the brightest star in the largest market. He didn’t need these benefits the way some of his teammates and their families did. He didn’t need to get involved. But he stuck his neck out for them anyway. For his teammates. For his brothers. At a time when unionizing meant a serious risk to the life he had built after being born into abject poverty during the Great Depression.
For that, he is my hero.
Not because he was the best player in the world in 1956, or the greatest running back ever to play for the New York Giants.
Because when his teammates were hurting, he cared enough to do something about it.
Credit belongs to @ChrisNowinski1 and his colleagues at the @ConcussionCTEfn & CTE Foundation for shifting the national conversation to what actually matters now: understanding how far this goes, preventing CTE, and finding a cure.
As a son and as a caregiver who has lived in this world for the better part of the last two decades, I feel qualified enough to propose three simple, likely imperfect suggestions:
1. Educate parents and decision-makers about avoiding contact football for as long as possible, with flag as a wonderful and low-risk alternative now being embraced by the NFL.
2. Require informed consent for high school, collegiate, and professional players through independent consultants (not team doctors) who speak plainly to the true cost of participation. There is a clear correlation between years played and the probability of developing neurodegenerative problems. If you choose to play, start later.
3. Leverage academia and relevant government agencies to create a funnel that directs funding toward further research, but more importantly toward supporting the costly development of diagnostics and therapeutics for those already suffering.
My father loved football. He loved the Giants, and he loved the Mara and Tisch families.
We now know #CTE is real. It transcends football, and it has generational costs.
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Jill Arrington retweeted
Let the games begin! Elle Fanning embraced Effie Trinket’s hallmark avant-garde maximalism in London. vogue.com/article/elle-f…
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Jill Arrington retweeted
Dakota and Elle Fanning pose together at the #AcademyMuseumGala.
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Jill Arrington retweeted
New research estimates that nearly 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 likely had CTE.
Among 387 former NFL players who were brain donors, 362, about 94%, had the degenerative brain disease.
Via @BostonGlobe | ow.ly/RaKS5101SYU
Among 387 former NFL players who were brain donors, 362, about 94%, had the degenerative brain disease.
Via @BostonGlobe | ow.ly/RaKS5101SYU
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Jill Arrington retweeted
Our new study, published today in @JAMANetworkOpen, estimates that 75% of NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had CTE.
This is not a measure of all current or former players. It does not mean 75% of current players have CTE, and not everyone with CTE develops symptoms.
two priorities: supporting former players and families today, and reducing repetitive head impacts to protect future generations.
CTE is serious, but this number should not mean hopelessness. Research is advancing, and we can improve care and make sports safer.
Former players and families: you’re not alone. DM me to connect with support and explore research opportunities, if you’re interested.
This is not a measure of all current or former players. It does not mean 75% of current players have CTE, and not everyone with CTE develops symptoms.
two priorities: supporting former players and families today, and reducing repetitive head impacts to protect future generations.
CTE is serious, but this number should not mean hopelessness. Research is advancing, and we can improve care and make sports safer.
Former players and families: you’re not alone. DM me to connect with support and explore research opportunities, if you’re interested.
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Elle as Effie!!🩰✨
Elle Fanning at the UK Fan Event for #TheHungerGames: Sunrise on the Reaping.
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Now we know… tackle can wait! 75% is too high a risk for young brains.
A recently published BU-led study showed that 75% of NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had CTE neuropathology. We have broken down the key information of this study and what it means for CTE research. Learn more here: bit.ly/4zdveIe
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Jill Arrington retweeted
@Hasselbeck The study was published today in @JAMANetworkOpen and led by @bu_cte in collaboration with @MassGenBrigham and the Concussion & CTE Foundation.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman…
jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman…
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It’s a fraternity us legacy families never wanted to be a part of but grateful our heroes , like my father, can help end CTE with these studies to help protect future athletes.❤️🩹
A new study estimates 75% of former NFL players who died between 2008-2023 had CTE.
It's a difficult number to confront, especially for former players and families already concerned about their brain health. But it's also an important step forward in understanding CTE.
h
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Jill Arrington retweeted
One of the most important #CTE studies of the last 20 years-
75% of NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had CTE
Brain Disease Is Pervasive in NFL
nytimes.com/2026/10/28/sci…
via @nytimes
75% of NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had CTE
Brain Disease Is Pervasive in NFL
nytimes.com/2026/10/28/sci…
via @nytimes
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