Number of NFL seasons and player position could mean more cognitive problems

A longer NFL career and playing certain positions may mean a higher chance of cognitive problems, according to new research. Researchers behind the ongoing Harvard Football Players Study surveyed some 3,500 former NFL players and found that for every five years of professional play, there was a 9% increased risk of depression indicators. Those who played in more than one season were twice as likely to report severe cognitive problems compared to those who played in only one season. Running backs, linebackers, and special teams players reported the most symptoms, while kickers, punters, and quarterbacks reported the least. Those who reported experiencing concussions had a 22-fold higher risk of long-term cognitive problems. One limitation of the study is that the former players were asked to recollect symptoms they experienced, and so the findings could be subject to recall bias.