Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull diagnosed with CTE

“The Golden Jet,” two-time NHL MVP suffered from stage 2 disease

(Boston) – The widow of Hockey Hall of Famer and two-time NHL MVP Bobby Hull is releasing the results of his post-mortem brain tissue analysis today through the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) to raise awareness for the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in hockey and encourage support for research. Hull’s family donated his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center after he passed away in 2023 at age 84. Researchers there diagnosed Hull with stage 2 (of 4) chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

“Seeing the pain and heartache suffered by his lifetime friend Stan Mikita’s family, Bobby felt strongly no other family should have to endure CTE,” said Deborah Hull, Bobby’s wife of 39 years. “He insisted on donating his brain, feeling as though it was his duty to help advance research on this agonizing disease.”

For the last nearly 10 years of his life, Hull struggled with many of the cognitive symptoms of CTE such as short-term memory loss and impaired judgement. Deborah Hull says Bobby knew his historic career came at a price.

“We are grateful to Bobby Hull and all of the NHL players and families who are helping us learn how to prevent, diagnose, and treat CTE,” said Dr. Ann McKee, chief of neuropathology for the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the Boston University CTE Center and UNITE Brain Bank. “We encourage retired players and their families to reach out for help and care if they are concerned about CTE, as we are learning how to effectively treat symptoms, especially in mid-life.”

In December 2024 the Boston University CTE Center published the largest ever study of deceased male hockey players, finding that 18 of 19 NHL players studied had CTE, including Hull, Ralph Backstrom, Stan Mikita, Bob Probert, and Derek Boogaard. The BU study also found that the odds of developing CTE increased by 34% for each year of hockey played.

Hull played professionally for 23 years, 15 seasons in the NHL, most notably for the Chicago Blackhawks where he won a Stanley Cup, two Hart Memorial Trophies, three Art Ross Trophies and led the NHL in goals scored seven times.

Despite the research, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman still refuses to acknowledge the link between playing in the NHL and developing CTE.

“NHL families deserve to know that CTE can be a consequence of the head impacts they receive while playing the game,” said CLF CEO Dr. Chris Nowinski. “The NHL still shamelessly refuses to acknowledge this scientific truth, so we hope this message reaches current players so that they, at a minimum, can play with informed consent.”

CTE has also been diagnosed in amateur hockey players, but researchers suspect it is not diagnosed as frequently because amateurs tend to have shorter careers and therefore fewer head impacts.

Help is available for former hockey players and their families struggling with suspected CTE symptoms. The CLF HelpLine provides free, personalized support to patients and families through doctor recommendations, peer support, and resources. Anyone who needs assistance can reach out at CLFHelpline.org.