Some former NFL players say they’re almost 100% sure they have CTE after talking about concussions

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• The study and immediate fallout
• A long history of concern and compensation
• Voices from former players
• Ken Anderson, quarterback (1971–86; Bengals)
• Rocky Bleier, fullback (1968, ’71–80; Steelers)
• LeRoy Butler, safety, Hall of Fame (1990–2001; Packers)
• Mark Collins, safety (1986–98)
• Randy Cross, guard (1976–88; 49ers)
• Rich Gannon, quarterback (1987–2004)
• Dan Hampton, defensive tackle, Hall of Fame (1979–90; Bears)
• John Hannah, guard, Hall of Fame (1973–85; Patriots)
• Mark Jackson, wide receiver (1986–94)
• Warren Moon, quarterback, Hall of Fame (1984–2000)

A new postmortem study and a string of candid interviews have reignited the debate over football’s long-term toll. Researchers found a striking prevalence of brain disease among former players, and retired NFL figures — including several Hall of Famers — offered blunt assessments of risk, responsibility and what the league owes its alumni.

The study and immediate fallout

Researchers at Mass General Brigham examined 235 brains donated between 2016 and 2021 and reported that 215 showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The finding has intensified public concern about the lasting effects of repeated head trauma in football.

The study’s release followed public reminders of the issue: at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony this summer, former 49ers running back Roger Craig spoke about his struggle with dementia. And in an interview published shortly after the study, Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton said he would not want his future children playing football past high school, while acknowledging he is willing to accept personal risk for his family’s well‑being. Hamilton also told Sports Illustrated he expects the NFL regular season to expand to 18 games, and possibly to 20 within a decade — a change some former players say would heighten long‑term risks.

A long history of concern and compensation

This debate is not new. In 2013 the NFL reached a settlement with more than 18,000 retired players, paying $765 million over concussion‑related brain injuries. Still, many former players contend that compensation and healthcare remain inadequate.

Voices from former players

Sports Illustrated interviewed 10 ex‑players — four of them Hall of Famers — about CTE, player safety, the NFL’s response and their own regrets. Their answers, lightly edited for length, reflect a mix of acceptance, anger and calls for better long‑term care.

Ken Anderson, quarterback (1971–86; Bengals)

Anderson said he feels he’s doing well now and that players understood the risks while they played. He contrasted past training camps — long, physical stretches of two‑a‑days in pads — with today’s lighter practices, and concluded that current protocols have improved player safety. “I think we’d all do it again,” he added.

Rocky Bleier, fullback (1968, ’71–80; Steelers)

Bleier reflected on how little attention concussions received during his era. Injuries were treated like any other ailment of the game — an accepted occupational hazard that often only shows consequences years later. He said the only way to eliminate that risk would be to make football noncontact, which he called unrealistic, and emphasized that attitudes toward participation vary by individual.

LeRoy Butler, safety, Hall of Fame (1990–2001; Packers)

Butler focused on funding and long‑term support. He argued the league has the resources to provide substantial payments and extended healthcare — even for players who retired decades ago — but warned that getting most former players to agree on a solution is a hurdle. Still, Butler said he would play the game again because it is what he excelled at, and urged honesty with medical staff: “If you have a headache, don’t lie to the doctor.”

Mark Collins, safety (1986–98)

Collins described how seeing peers struggle with dementia and other outcomes made the issue feel personal. He said he uses available healthcare tools and screenings in hopes of avoiding those outcomes, but added that the league could do far more. Collins pointed to the NFL’s vast revenues and suggested measures such as annual stipends for former players and broader support, arguing the sport’s physical toll accelerates conditions like dementia and suicide risk.

Randy Cross, guard (1976–88; 49ers)

Cross said safety has improved but was blunt about why the season could expand despite medical concerns. He called the drive for more games “pure greed,” saying financial incentives will outweigh any argument about player protection.

Rich Gannon, quarterback (1987–2004)

Gannon said the reported percentages of CTE cases are sobering, but noted they must be seen in context: players in earlier decades often played and practiced while concussed, sometimes unaware of the long‑term consequences. He also criticized additional scheduling that shortens recovery time, saying, “Thursday night games are ridiculous,” and suggested that at some point financial gain will have to be weighed against these medical findings.

Dan Hampton, defensive tackle, Hall of Fame (1979–90; Bears)

Hampton questioned some modern protocols and expressed skepticism about the motives of those who pursue CTE diagnoses. He suggested that headlines and money can influence narratives, and said he has seen examples of former players with striking cognitive changes. While acknowledging CTE is real, he disputed some of the study’s broader implications for the entire player population.

John Hannah, guard, Hall of Fame (1973–85; Patriots)

Hannah said he’s largely healthy and continues to work, but that the game has changed along with its audience. He argued that protections have gone “a little overboard” in some areas, and said he enjoyed the physical aspects of football when he played — a point he framed as a personal choice at the time.

Mark Jackson, wide receiver (1986–94)

Jackson recounted having at least four documented concussions and said he strongly suspects he has CTE. He criticized what he called the league’s convoluted approach to compensating former players and expressed disappointment the NFL has not provided broader, more straightforward financial relief for those affected.

Warren Moon, quarterback, Hall of Fame (1984–2000)

Moon said he had six diagnosed concussions — two in college and four in the NFL — and recalled many more instances where he “got his bell rung” without realizing the longer repercussions. He acknowledged improvements in benefits but argued they fall short, urging at minimum annual, lifetime health screening for former players so conditions can be detected earlier and treated.