The death of Jordan Devey, a Utah native and Super Bowl champion, has triggered an outpouring of community support that is bringing renewed attention to the critical need for mental healthcare among former athletes. The loss of the professional football player has centered public discussion on the long-term neurological and psychological risks associated with contact sports.
Focus on Athlete Mental Health
As reported by SnowBadgers.com on July 27, 2026, the community response to Devey's passing highlights a growing urgency regarding how athletes manage mental health challenges following their playing careers. While the specific medical details of Devey's situation remain part of a broader conversation about athlete wellness, his legacy is now being tied to the push for better diagnostic and treatment resources.
This movement follows a period of increased visibility for collegiate athletics, such as Snow College's recent July 13 launch of its 'From the Badger Den' podcast, which serves to highlight student-athlete stories. The intersection of professional athletic success and the personal struggles with mental health has become a focal point for families and researchers alike.
Research into CTE Prevalence
The conversation around athlete mental health is increasingly informed by clinical research into Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disorder linked to repeated head impacts. According to an announcement from the Boston University CTE Center on February 6, 20::23, researchers had diagnosed CTE in 345 out of 376 former NFL players studied, representing a rate of 91.7 percent among that specific sample.
However, the BU CTE Center noted that these figures are subject to selection biases because brain bank samples often involve individuals who may have already shown symptoms. The center emphasized that while high-profile cases grab headlines, the prevalence of CTE in the general NFL population remains unknown since a definitive diagnosis can only be made postmortem.
Clinical Studies and Treatment
Medical experts are working to bridge the gap between diagnosis and active treatment. Dr. Ann McKee, director of the BU CTE Center and chief of neuropathology at VA Boston Healthcare System, stated in February 2023 that symptoms related to head impacts can often be treated. She noted that her clinical team has seen success treating former football players experiencing mid-life mental health issues and other symptoms.
To advance this work, the BU CTE Center collaborates with the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) to recruit athletes for clinical studies. One such initiative, Project S.A.V.E. (Study of Axonal and Vascular Effects), targets men and women ages 50 or older who played at least five years in contact sports like American football, ice hockey, soccer, rugby, and wrestling. The goal of the study is to understand how repeated impacts lead to long-term issues with memory, thinking, and mood.
The Impact on Families
The emotional weight of these diagnoses is often carried by the families of deceased athletes. Jill Arrington, daughter of former NFL player Rick Arrington and a former sideline reporter for CBS, FOX, and ESPN, shared the personal toll of such a disease following her father's diagnosis. Arrington described the pain of seeing a hero's life cut short by the sport he loved.
She also emphasized the importance of brain donation to research, noting that her father's legacy lives on through the data provided to researchers. This type of contribution is vital for the Boston University CTE Center, which has grown its donor base to 1,330 families to advance the search for a cure.
Resources for Support
As research continues, organizations like the Concussion Legacy Foundation provide essential support through their HelpLine, offering referrals to doctors, peer support, and monthly online groups for those who believe they or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms related to prior concussions. This infrastructure of care is becoming a critical component of the landscape for former athletes navigating the aftermath of contact sports.
