A top NFL official finally admitted that there is a link between football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. During a meeting by the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce about concussions, Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky asked NFL's senior vice president for health and safety Jeff Miller about any links between the sport and CTE.

"The answer to that question is certainly yes," Miller said. It is the first time that a high-ranking official from the league has acknowledged that link. It is quite surprising to hear Miller admit the fact since the NFL has been avoiding making any comments regarding the brain disease that has plagued many of its ex-players.

About 90 out of 94 dead former NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE by Dr. Ann McKee of Boston University. "I unequivocally think there's a link between playing football and CTE," Dr. McKee said.

The number of confirmed CTE cases as well as the increasing ex-players with symptoms consistent with the disease is overwhelming. Miller did not give any more details regarding his admission, but let's take a look at five football stars that were diagnosed with CTE.

Dave Duerson

The former Chicago Bears safety committed suicide last Feb. 17, 2011. On his suicide note, Duerson wrote, "Please, see that my brain is given to the N.F.L.'s brain bank." He experienced different symptoms like headaches and a deteriorating memory before his death. Dr. McKee confirmed several months later that Duerson indeed had CTE.

Frank Gifford

The Hall of Famer and commentator died due to natural causes at the age of 85 last Aug. 9, 2015. However, his family revealed three months later that Gifford suffered from symptoms related to CTE. They donated his brain for research and confirmed the onset of the brain disease.

Ken Stabler

"The Snake" played quarterback for three NFL teams mainly for the Oakland Raiders, will be posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Even though he died of colon cancer at the age of 69 last July 8, 2015, his brain was donated at Boston University. Stabler was diagnosed with Stage 3 CTE.

Junior Seau

The 12-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame linebacker for the San Diego Chargers was one of the best and most beloved players of his generation. Seau took his own life two years after his retirement on May 2, 2012 via a gunshot wound to the chest. The National Institutes of Health in Washington found out that his brain had signs of CTE.

Mike Webster

"Iron Mike" is Hall of Fame center that died from a heart attack on Sept. 24, 2002. He is also the first NFL player to be diagnosed with CTE that led more research about brain damage not just in football but other sports.

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