Bobby Hull’s CTE Diagnosis Revealed Two Years After His Death

CHICAGO, Feb. 19, 2025 — Bobby Hull, the Hall of Fame forward and two-time NHL MVP who played a pivotal role in the Chicago Blackhawks‘ Stanley Cup victory in 1961, had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death, according to a statement from his widow released Wednesday. Research conducted by Boston University‘s CTE Center confirmed that Hull had stage 2 CTE when he passed away in 2023 at the age of 84.

Hull’s struggles with short-term memory loss and impaired judgment plagued him over the last decade of his life. His decision to donate his brain for research was influenced by the decline of his former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Stan Mikita. “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, who was married to him for 39 years. “He insisted on donating his brain, feeling as though it was his duty to help advance research on this agonizing disease.”

Known as “The Golden Jet” for his incredible speed and iconic blond hair, Hull is regarded as one of the most prolific forwards in NHL history. He scored a remarkable 610 goals over 16 seasons with teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Hartford Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets. Hull also holds the franchise record for most career goals with the Blackhawks, netting 604 goals, and tallied an additional 303 goals during his seven seasons in the World Hockey Association.

Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, expressed gratitude for Hull’s contribution to research, stating, “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. 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.”

The concern surrounding CTE within professional hockey has led to growing initiatives aimed at educating players about the disease and the potential dangers of concussions. In December, Boston University researchers released findings indicating that 18 of 19 NHL players studied posthumously, including Hull, Mikita, Ralph Backstrom, Bob Probert, and Derek Boogaard, were diagnosed with CTE. Additionally, the research revealed that an NHL player’s odds of developing CTE increase by 34% for each year spent playing hockey.

CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to concussions and repeated head trauma, has become a significant health concern among athletes and military veterans. The condition can only be diagnosed after death through postmortem brain examination.