Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Fall of Fame forward Bobby Hull had CTE when he died at 84 in 2023, his widow said in a statement. Researchers at Boston University’s CTE Center found that Hull suffered from Stage 2 CTE at the time of his death.
Hull’s widow, Deborah, said Bobby felt it was important to donate his brain to research after watching fellow Hall of Famer and longtime Chicago Blackhawks teammate Stan Mikita suffer the effects of CTE later in life.
“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,” Deborah Hull said in a statement. “He insisted on donating his brain, feeling as though it was his duty to help advance research on this agonizing disease.”
Hull, also known as “the Golden Jet” in his playing days, spent 16 seasons in the NHL. In that time, Hull scored 610 goals and notched 560 assists. Hull was a two-time MVP, and he helped lead the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup in 1961.
Dr. Ann McKee, the director of Boston University’s CTE Center, expressed her gratitude for the Hull family’s decision. She also said that researchers “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.”
CTE awareness has been on the rise in recent years after a number of prominent players were diagnosed posthumously, including Bob Probert, Derek Boogard and Wade Belak.
Former Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) posthumously, shedding light on the long-term effects of head injuries in professional athletes.
Hull, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 81, was one of the most iconic players in Blackhawks history, known for his speed, skill, and powerful slap shot. However, like many athletes of his generation, Hull played during a time when head injuries were not well understood or properly addressed.
CTE is a degenerative brain disease that is believed to be caused by repeated blows to the head. It has been linked to a range of symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and cognitive decline. In recent years, CTE has become a major concern in the world of sports, particularly in contact sports like football and hockey.
The diagnosis of CTE in Hull serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that athletes face when they participate in high-impact sports. While the NHL has taken steps to improve player safety in recent years, including implementing stricter concussion protocols and penalizing dangerous hits, the long-term effects of head injuries can still have devastating consequences.
Hull’s family has expressed hope that his diagnosis will raise awareness about the importance of protecting athletes from head injuries and providing support for those who may be suffering from the effects of CTE. They have also called for more research into the prevention and treatment of CTE, in order to better understand and address this serious health issue.
As fans and players alike mourn the loss of a hockey legend, Hull’s diagnosis serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance when it comes to protecting athletes from the long-term effects of head injuries. It is a call to action for sports organizations, medical professionals, and policymakers to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of athletes at all levels of competition.
