Former NFL Players: Disabilities, Benefits, and Related Issues (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
April 8, 2008 |
| Report Number |
RL34439 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
L. Elaine Halchin, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Although the focus of this report is on former players, and their health problemsand benefits, the report also covers certain issues involving active players. Thehealth of retired players derives in part from the injuries and medical conditions (suchas excessive weight, if not obesity) that they may have experienced during theirplaying days. Accordingly, some of the conditions, terms, or policies under whichactive players perform might have some bearing on their current and long-term health. The issue of former players and their health and benefits has receivedconsiderable attention from Congress, including hearings in both chambers.The next section describes the physical nature of the game of football, injuries,and health problems and is followed by a section on benefit programs and plansavailable to former players. After an overview of other organizations' efforts to aidformer players, this report examines the NFL's and the NFL Players Association'shealth and safety initiatives, examines selected issues, and discusses possible coursesof action.
