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Hockey Legend Diagnosed With CTE Following Death In 2023

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 11:43 AM ET

Former NHL player Bobby Hull had CTE at the time of his death in 2023.

Hull, who passed away at the age of 84 in 2023, was diagnosed with CTE by researchers at Boston University's CTE Center. He had Stage 2 CTE at the time of his death.

Hull's widow, Deborah Hull, released a statement on Wednesday, confirming the news.

"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," Hull said, via the Associated Press. "He insisted on donating his brain, feeling as though it was his duty to help advance research on this agonizing disease.”

Nicknamed "the Golden Jet," Hull played professional hockey for 23 years (1957-80) in the NHL and the WHA (World Hockey Association), playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets, and Hartford Whalers.

During his NHL career, he scored 610 goals and amassed 1,170 points in 1,063 games. He remains the Blackhawks' all-time goal leader with 604 and helped them win a Stanley Cup in 1961.

He won two Hart Trophies and scored 303 goals while playing for Winnipeg in the WHA.

Hull was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2017, he was named one of the top 100 greatest NHL players in league history.

His son, Brett, also played in the NHL and is known as one of the greatest players of all time. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009 after scoring 741 goals and 1,391 points during his NHL career.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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