In this conversation, Dr. Ann McKee discusses chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease linked to repetitive head injuries primarily in contact sports. She shares her journey into CTE research, the mechanics of brain injury, and the emotional impact of her work. Dr. McKee also addresses the challenges she faced when confronting the NFL, the importance of post-mortem diagnosis, and the need for increased public awareness and education on CTE. She emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaborations in advancing research and the potential for biomarkers to aid in diagnosis. Finally, Dr. McKee offers actionable advice for parents on protecting their children from CTE.