Sports Illustrated September 04, 2026 • 11:00

Retired NFL Players Open Up About Concussions: ‘Yeah, I Have CTE. It’s Almost 100% Positive.’ - Sports Illustrated

By Matt Verderame

Retired NFL Players Open Up About Concussions: ‘Yeah, I Have CTE. It’s Almost 100% Positive.’ - Sports Illustrated

Matt Verderame speaks to 10 former players, including four Hall of Famers, about head trauma, health care and life after football.

NFL players are stuck in a conundrum. 
On one hand, many current and former players are concerned about their long-term health. On the other, many say they wouldnt change a thing about stepping onto… [+19305 chars]

More from Sports Illustrated