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CTE in the NFL
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a condition that occurs in the brain that occurs after many hits to the head or multiple concussions. This condition affects a persons brain and mental status in many ways. CTE can lead to dementia, behavioral problems, and memory loss. As of January 6th, 2022 there have been 315 confirmed cases of CTE in NFL players. The NFL has had to alter the rules of the game in order to attempt the prevention of CTE and any concussion in players. There are many players who will play with mild stages of CTE and never realize it until it is too late. Aaron Hernandez played in the NFL and never was confirmed to have CTE. It was not until he took his life that they believed CTE was a related factor.

CTE can not be diagnosed until after death during an autopsy. There are symptoms and actions that are believed to be associated to CTE but it can not be truly confirmed until after death. Mike Webster was the first ever NFL player to have been confirmed to have CTE. Just like all other players diagnosed with CTE, it was not confirmed until after his death. Since Webster's death, the NFL has made significant changes to the rules and the game itself to prevent more CTE related injuries.

1995
The first rule change to avoid head injuries came in 1995. This rule specified that any player who was considered a defenseless player was protected from being hit with the helmet of a defensive player. This meant that when a player was attempting to catch a pass, kickoff, or is already being tackled can not be hit with the helmet of another player. This was put in the rules to protect those who could not protect themselves and eliminate the possibility of whiplash or any other head and neck related injuries.

2005
In 2005, a rule was set in place to now protect the kicker and punter specifically. This rule made any helmet-to-helmet hit on the kicker or punter illegal at any time during the play. This allowed for the kicker or punter to do their job and get off the field safely.

2009
In 2009, the NFL expanded their rules and began incorporating other kinds of hits. Now, a rule was added to ban the use of the helmet, forearm, or shoulder to hit the helmet of a defenseless player. Any form of contact with these body parts or equipment could lead to ejection from the game and a fine. This rule was created to prevent unwarranted hits to a players head and helmet area possibly causing CTE.

2010
In 2010, all players were now protected from hits with opponents helmets, shoulders, or forearms. It did not matter if a player was defenseless or not, all hits of this nature were illegal. All players were now punishable if they committed this kind of hit and all players were no protected from these kinds of hits.

2011
In 2011, the league created a rule to protect blindsided blocks to any player on the field during a change of possession. This rule included any form or aggressive blindsided blocks and not just to the helmet and head area.

2013
In 2013, it was made illegal for both the runner or tackler to lead with their helmet to either tackle or hit the tackler. The rule of contact to the head is now on the offensive side and defensive side of the ball.

2015
In 2015, following an interception, the intended receiver is include as a defenseless player.

2018
In 2018, a rule was created to make it illegal for a ballcarrier to lead with their helmet to begin contact with another player.

Present (2022)
No rules have been added to protect against head-to-head contact or head injuries.