NHL Legend Bobby Hull Posthumously Diagnosed With CTE, Researchers Confirm

Bobby Hull, the NHL Hall of Famer and two-time MVP who won the 1961 Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks, was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when he passed away in 2023. His widow announced the news in a statement Wednesday.

Boston University CTE Center researchers discovered that Hull had stage 2 CTE when he passed away. He was 84 years old. (RELATED: Canada’s Brandon Hagel Is Out Here Running His Mouth, Which Means America Needs To Blow These Losers Out The Water)

Over his last decade alive, Hull was struggling with impaired judgment and short-term memory loss. After his former teammate Stan Mikita suffered a decline near the end of his life, Hull decided to donate his brain.

“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, his wife he was married to for 39 years, in an official statement. “He insisted on donating his brain, feeling as though it was his duty to help advance research on this agonizing disease.”

Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull has received a posthumous Stage 2 CTE diagnosis following his death in 2023. pic.twitter.com/aIWPo5U8eH

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 19, 2025

Hull, nicknamed “The Golden Jet” after his blonde hair and speed, had a remarkable career in the NHL as a forward with 610 goals. He played 16 years with Winnipeg, Hartford and Chicago.

With the Blackhawks in particular, he leads the franchise in all-time goals with 604. In the World Hockey Association with the Jets, where Hull played for seven years, he had 303 goals.

“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,” Boston University CTE Center director Dr. Ann McKee said.

“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.”