Study My Brain: Violent Shooter and CTE Crisis Rocking the NFL and Beyond

Shooter’s CTE Grievance Shines Spotlight on NFL Brain Trauma Crisis: What We Know About the Deadly Brain Disease

What is CTE & its relation with NYC Shooting 

On July 28, 2025, 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura walked into 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan, aiming to confront the NFL over chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Armed with an M4 rifle, he killed four people—including NYPD Officer Didarul Islam—and injured others before taking his own life. 

In a three‑page note, Tamura blamed the NFL for neglecting player safety, claiming CTE symptoms from high school football and requesting his brain be studied. 

Though CTE can only be confirmed postmortem, researchers emphasize these accusations underscore the urgent need for reform in contact sports.

The Story Unfolds about CTE Brain disease

Late on a Monday afternoon, Tamura entered the Midtown skyscraper that houses the NFL’s headquarters. He fired in the lobby and then took an elevator to the 33rd floor. 

There, he shot another person—then turned the gun on himself. He had intended to target NFL offices but mistakenly entered the elevators to Rudin Management offices instead (Business Insider). Among those killed were Officer Didarul Islam, security guard Aland Etienne, two corporate workers, and injured an NFL staffer (People.com).

His wallet held a note blaming the league for his mental health decline, claiming he suffered from suspected CTE. The note asked, “Study my brain” and held the NFL responsible for prioritizing profits over player well‑being (Reuters, Boston University, The Guardian, AP News).

What Is CTE – And Why It Matters

CTE Stand for (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) is a progressive brain disease tied to repeated head impacts—even without diagnosed concussions. The condition damages brain regions that regulate emotion, memory, and behavior, and typically only reveals symptoms years or decades after the trauma (en.wikipedia.org, Axios, Boston University).

Boston University’s CTE Center has shown that 99% of studied former NFL players (110 of 111 in one JAMA study) had CTE. A more recent 2023 study found 345 of 376 former NFL brains (91.7%) showed signs of the disease (en.wikipedia.org). By comparison, less than 1% of brains in the general population show CTE (Boston University).

CTE also affects athletes in college and high school football, boxing, hockey, rugby, soccer, and even combat veterans. Youth athletes face heightened risk since their developing brains are vulnerable to repetitive impacts (en.wikipedia.org, fisiologiadelejercicio.com, New York Magazine).

CTE Symptoms, Causes & Real Risks

CTE can manifest as:

• Mood instability, depression, aggression

• Memory loss, poor executive function

• Impulsive or violent behavior, increased suicide risk (Axios, massgeneralbrigham.org)

Risk stems less from one-off concussions and more from repetitive sub‑concussive hits, such as routine contact during football or combat training (New York Magazine).

Dr. Ann McKee of Boston University leads pathology research on tau protein buildup—a hallmark of CTE distinct from Alzheimer’s—and warns that cumulative micro‑trauma, not headline concussions, is driving the crisis (en.wikipedia.org).

CTE and the NFL: A Relationship that can't be denied

For years, the NFL denied any link between football and long-term brain damage. In 2015‑16, after mounting lawsuits and media scrutiny, the league settled concussion claims for over $1.2 billion and formally acknowledged the link in testimony to Congress (Axios).

Its 2015 settlement covered more than 1,600 former players, while continuing research—such as Boston University’s brain-donation studies—confirmed that nearly all examined former NFL players had CTE (Boston University, bumc.bu.edu, biausa.org).

CTE Beyond the NFL.

CTE isn’t confined to professional football. Studies show:

• 91% prevalence in college football players

• 21% in high school players

• Presence also in soccer, rugby, boxing, mixed martial arts, and veterans exposed to blast trauma (arxiv.org, en.wikipedia.org)

In younger victims, behavioral symptoms and mental health issues dominate — including elevated suicide risk. A 2023 report estimated over 40% of contact-sport athletes dying under 30 had post-mortem evidence of CTE (New York Magazine).

Why Tamura’s Case Matters

Tamura, though only a high school football player, claimed CTE in his note and drew attention to how the condition affects non‑NFL athletes too. His death—and his plea to study his brain—mirrors stories of former players like Terry Long and Junior Seau, whose tragic declines cast long shadows over football’s culture (Boston University).

Observers—and victims’ advocates—argue this horrific act spotlights unresolved issues in youth sports: the stigma around concussions, the lack of prevention in drills, and inadequate mental health support even long after high-contact play ends.

What We Don’t Know Yet about CTE brain disease.

• Tamura’s diagnosis is unconfirmed; CTE can only be definitively diagnosed postmortem.

• The degree to which his high school football experience contributed is unclear.

• The full mental health and social context behind his actions remains under investigation (bumc.bu.edu).
  

CTE Takeaways

• CTE is real, common, devastating, and undetectable during life.

• Sub‑concussive hits are a serious threat across all levels of contact sports.

• NFL and sports bodies have adopted protocols, but critics say change is slow and insufficient.

• Youth athletes deserve better protection, awareness, and mental health care to prevent future tragedies.
  
  

A Final Thought!

Tamura’s devastation, his note, and his plea ignite a painful story about a disease that’s stolen lives and voices. This moment must catalyze change:

• Sports organizations must adopt stronger protocols, limit contact drills—especially for youth.

• Parents and schools need access to concussion education and mental health support.

• Governments and leagues must fund further research, early diagnosis tools, and veteran support.

This isn’t just an NFL crisis—it’s a public health imperative. Study his brain. Learn from his pain. Protect the next generation. Demand reform now.

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