Patriots Legend Diagnosed with CTE — Unable to Speak, but Still Remembers Playing for NEW ENGLAND

Foxborough, Massachusetts, September 28, 2025

Heartbreaking news has left Patriots Nation stunned: John Hannah, the legendary offensive guard and icon of the New England Patriots in the 1970s and 1980s, has been confirmed by his family to be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) at the age of 74.

Hannah, once hailed as “The Greatest Offensive Lineman of All Time,” is currently receiving specialized medical care at his home in Alabama. He has almost completely lost his ability to communicate. His wife shared emotionally: “John doesn’t remember much anymore. There are times he doesn’t recognize me, but whenever someone mentions the Patriots, he nods and smiles. The Patriots are still in his heart.”

Legendary Career

John Hannah played his entire 13-season career (1973–1985) with the New England Patriots. He appeared in 183 games, earned 9 Pro Bowl selections, 7 All-Pro honors, and was named to both the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. In 1991, Hannah was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first Patriots player to receive this honor.

CTE Shock

Medical experts believe Hannah’s current condition stems from the thousands of direct collisions he endured during his career, at a time when the concept of “concussion” was largely overlooked. The offensive lineman position is considered one of the most vulnerable to CTE, due to the head-on collisions that occur on every snap.

Legacy & Reactions

This news has left the entire NFL in shock. A former teammate said emotionally: “John was the heart of the team. He was strong, resilient, and always protected his teammates. It’s heartbreaking to see him pay the price for that sacrifice.”

Patriots fans have taken to social media in droves, sharing: “CTE may take away memories, but it can’t erase John Hannah’s legacy.”

As the Patriots prepare for Week 4, the news about Hannah serves as a bitter reminder: football brings not only glory but also devastating consequences for the legends who sacrificed their youth to build the team’s history.