A Troubling Trend: Rising Suicide Rates Among Former NFL Players
Recent studies from Harvard University have unveiled a distressing trend regarding the mental health of former National Football League (NFL) players. Historically, professional athletes have shown lower suicide rates compared to the general population. However, alarming new data suggests that former NFL players are facing a significant and worrying increase in suicides, a phenomenon not mirrored in sports like Major League Baseball (MLB) or the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Shocking Findings
The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University examined death records spanning from 1979 to 2019. Initially, the research found suicide rates among NFL, MLB, and NBA athletes to be fairly consistent during the first thirty years. However, a sharp divergence started in 2011, with NFL players’ suicide rates escalating to 2.6 times higher than those of former MLB and NBA players by 2019. This drastic increase has left researchers grappling with its implications and causes.
Unpacking the Data
Rachel Grashow, the director of epidemiological research initiatives for the study, emphasized her astonishment at the magnitude of this rise. “We were surprised by the magnitude of the effect,” she stated, underlining the necessity for increased support for former players.
The pivotal year of 2011 serves as a significant marker in this narrative, coinciding with intensified public and scientific discussions about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). A neurodegenerative condition linked to repeated head trauma, CTE’s increasing prominence in the public consciousness—particularly in light of high-profile NFL suicides—may play a crucial role in shaping the mental health of former athletes.
The CTE Connection
CTE, which can only be diagnosed posthumously, presents a unique challenge. Symptoms among living former players, such as memory loss, concentration difficulties, and mood swings, are often attributed to CTE. Grashow notes, “While symptoms of CTE among living former players remain incompletely understood, players experiencing trouble with memory, concentration, or mood may attribute these to CTE.” This attribution can lead to feelings of hopelessness, contributing to the rising risk of suicidality among those who believe they may be affected.
While the portrayal of CTE as an incurable disease creates a narrative of despair, it’s essential to recognize that many symptoms traditionally linked to CTE could stem from treatable medical conditions like sleep apnea, chronic pain, hypertension, diabetes, and low testosterone. Identifying and addressing these treatable conditions could substantially alter the mental health landscape for former players.
Racial Disparities in Mental Health
The research also highlights critical disparities that are particularly concerning for Black former players. Alicia Whittington, who leads health equity and community-based participatory research for the study, points out that Black athletes often contend with a heavier burden of post-career health challenges. “In the context of health equity, when you focus on those who are most affected by health issues, everyone benefits,” she remarked, emphasizing the systemic health inequities prevalent among Black men in America.
Evidence suggests that despite the apparent advantages of a professional football career—such as access to healthcare and physical fitness—Black former players frequently report poorer health outcomes relative to their white peers. Whittington’s research emphasizes the importance of centering the community in the study process to ensure that findings lead to actionable support for those most at risk.
Beyond Brain Health
Aside from brain health, several other factors may be contributing to the rising suicide rates among former NFL players. The Werther Effect, a phenomenon where high-profile suicides lead to increased suicidal behavior in others, may play a significant role. Additionally, broader societal shifts, including increased social isolation and financial stress exacerbated by the looming presence of social media, are likely influencing the mental health crises facing many former athletes.
Promoting Health and Hope
A key objective for the Harvard research team is to redirect the conversation toward actionable steps that can be taken in the present. While the irreversible impact of head injuries from a player’s career remains an unfortunate reality, various aspects of cardiovascular and metabolic health are manageable. Grashow advocates for the use of a health checklist designed to empower former players in medical settings. This checklist, developed with input from former players, encourages focus on heart, brain, and hormonal health.
The checklist aims to mitigate risks associated with conditions like hypertension—termed a “silent killer,” especially in the Black community. By addressing such health concerns, players can work to safeguard both their mental and physical well-being.
Engaging the Community
The ongoing study, which has been in development for over a decade, currently follows nearly 5,000 living former players. Whittington highlights the importance of sustained participation to enhance scientific understanding and promote better care for the community. Eligibility extends to any player who signed a contract with a professional team from 1960 onwards, even if they only attended training camp.
“Community engagement is vital,” Whittington added, expressing hope that players will connect with the research and engage with their communities.
Resources for Immediate Support
For those in immediate need of help, the researchers have compiled several resources, including the NFL LifeLine, offering confidential consultation 24/7, and Silence The Shame, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health education and destigmatization.
The narrative surrounding football and brain health is evolving, with an acute focus on providing support for those who continue to navigate the complex aftermath of their careers in the NFL. As Grashow poignantly stated, “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?”
