HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ([WAFF](http://www.waff.com)) - A new study found that nearly 3 in 4 former NFL players who died had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, at the time of their deaths. The progressive brain disease is caused by repeated head injuries and cumulative hits to the head over time.
The study also estimated that about 1 in 4 former NFL players had dementia during their lives.
A Huntsville sports leader and an Alabama lawmaker responded to the findings.
Mark Russell, executive director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, said he is saddened by the results but determined to better protect players.
“We support any kind of regulations that make it better for the athlete,” he said.
Asked what more could be done, Russell said he wants less hitting in youth football and more skills work.
He said he hopes the NFL will fund research on safer youth equipment and a national coach certification program on safety guidelines.
Russell also advised parents to do their own research and to start tackle football later in life, ideally around the ninth grade.
“We want it to be safe for everybody. So we’ve got to continue to work to make it safer,” he said.
Rep. Marilyn Lands, who represents Alabama House District 10, said the results are alarming, along with the additional pressure placed on athletes.
Lands pointed to legislation that has already passed, including the Coach Safely Act, which requires comprehensive safety and injury mitigation training.
“We certainly need to have folks looking into this and then act upon those results,” she said.
Although Lands did not commit to any new legislation, she said she wants to look into whether the new statistics should mean adding to the state’s current safeguards.
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