Bobby Hull, the legendary NHL forward and all-time leading scorer for the Chicago Blackhawks, was diagnosed with stage two chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death in January 2023. This diagnosis was confirmed by the Concussion Legacy Foundation, which revealed that Hull had been exhibiting symptoms of CTE, such as short-term memory loss and impaired judgment, for nearly a decade before his passing at the age of 84.
Hull’s family made the decision to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center, a move that reflects Hull’s commitment to advancing research on this debilitating disease. His wife, Deborah Hull, stated that Bobby was motivated by the suffering experienced by his close friend Stan Mikita’s family due to CTE, and he felt it was his responsibility to contribute to the understanding of the condition.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983, Hull enjoyed a prolific career spanning 15 years with the Blackhawks, where he scored 604 goals and accumulated 1,153 points. He also played for teams in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and the NHL, including stints with Winnipeg and Hartford. However, despite his on-ice successes, Hull’s legacy is marred by various controversies that emerged after his playing days.
Throughout his life, Hull faced serious allegations, including domestic abuse claims made by his ex-wife, Joanne, in a 2002 ESPN documentary. Additionally, in 1986, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer during a domestic dispute. His reputation further suffered in 1998 when he was quoted as saying Adolf Hitler “had some good ideas,” a statement he later denied, but which sparked widespread outrage.
The Concussion Legacy Foundation’s CEO, Chris Nowinski, criticized the NHL for failing to acknowledge the connection between hockey and CTE, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action within the league. Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, expressed gratitude for Hull’s contribution and urged retired players and their families to seek help if they have concerns about CTE, highlighting ongoing research into effective treatments for the condition.
Hull’s death and subsequent diagnosis serve as a stark reminder of the potential long-term effects of concussions in contact sports, prompting calls for increased research and preventive measures to protect current and future players.