Former National Football League players have experienced a frightening spike in their rate of death by suicide compared with athletes in other sports, according to new data from Harvard University. The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, a comprehensive research program that studies the health and well-being of living former National Football League players, has uncovered a stark shift in the long-term mental health of former NFL players. While professional athletes have historically shown lower suicide rates than the general public, recent data indicates that former NFL players have faced a significant increase in deaths by suicide over the last decade—a trend not observed among their counterparts in Major League Baseball or the National Basketball Association.

The research, which examined death records spanning from 1979 to 2019, found that the suicide rates among NFL, MLB, and NBA players were virtually identical for the first 30 years of the study. However, starting in 2011, a sharp divergence occurred. From 2011 to 2019, the rate of death by suicide among former NFL players rose to be 2.6 times higher than that of former MLB and NBA players.

Rachel Grashow, the director of epidemiological research initiatives for the study, expressed that the sheer scale of the increase was unexpected.

"We were surprised by the magnitude of the effect," Grashow said. "In some ways, we weren’t surprised to see that it was on par with the other sports because we knew that already. Seeing that big of a jump was a sign that more could be done to support former players.”

Researchers suggest this trend may be linked to the "pivotal year" of 2011, when public and scientific discourse surrounding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) intensified, and after a series of high-profile NFL suicides. CTE is a neurodegenerative condition currently only diagnosable after death. The study offers the possibility that the widespread narrative of CTE as an incurable, progressive disease may be partially impacting the mental health and perceived hopelessness of living former players.

"CTE is a real condition that can only be identified after someone passes away," Grashow explained. "While symptoms of CTE among living former players remain incompletely understood, players experiencing trouble with memory, concentration, or mood may attribute these to CTE."

Because of the incurable nature associated with the diagnosis, players who believe they have the condition may experience a higher risk of suicidality. However, the study highlights a critical distinction: many symptoms often linked to CTE—such as irritability, memory issues, and mood swings—can stem from highly treatable medical conditions. These include sleep apnea, chronic pain, hypertension, diabetes, and low testosterone.

The research may be particularly relevant for Black former players. Alicia Whittington, who leads health equity and community-based participatory research for the study, noted that Black athletes often carry a heavier burden of mental and physical health challenges post-career.

"In the context of health equity, when you focus on those who are most affected by health issues, everyone benefits," Whittington said.

The study indicates that a career in professional football does not serve as a shield against the systemic health inequities faced by Black men in America. Despite the resources and physical fitness benefits associated with a professional football career, Black former players report poorer health across the board compared to their white peers. Whittington’s work centers the community in the research process, ensuring that the findings lead to actionable support for those most at risk.

Beyond the focus on brain health, the researchers suggested several other potential factors contributing to the rise in suicides. These include the "Werther Effect," a copycat or contagion effect following high-profile suicides, as well as broader societal changes like increased social isolation, financial stress, and the impact of social media. Changes in how medical examiners classify deaths after 2010 may also play a role in the documented increase.

A primary goal for the Harvard team is to shift the conversation toward what can be managed in the present. While head injuries from a player’s career cannot be reversed, cardiovascular and metabolic health can be improved.

"We want former players to use our health checklist to go after what's treatable, after the things that they can change, because we think that actually can make a big difference," Grashow said.

This checklist was suggested by former players to help them advocate for themselves during medical appointments, focusing on heart, brain, and hormonal health. By treating conditions like hypertension—which Grashow calls a "silent killer" particularly prevalent in the Black community—players can protect both their heart and brain function.

The study, which has been in development for over a decade, currently follows nearly 5,000 living former players. Whittington stressed the importance of continued participation to strengthen science and provide better care for the community. Any player who signed a contract with a professional team from 1960 to the present is eligible to participate, even if they only attended training camp.

"I just hope that players will engage with our work and also remain connected to their community as best as they can," Whittington said.

For those in need of immediate support, the researchers highlighted several resources, including the NFL LifeLine, which offers confidential 24/7 consultation, and Silence The Shame, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health education and destigmatization.

Ultimately, the Harvard team hopes this research will empower former players to take proactive steps for their health while reminding them that they are not alone. As the narrative around football and brain health continues to evolve, the focus remains on supporting the men who are still here.

"Collectively, how do we better support players? How do we take care of those who are still with us, and encourage positive health activities that improve and lengthen life?" Grashow said.