Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon speaks during a 2011 ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington honoring the Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl XX win.The NFL agreed Wednesday to remove a $675 million cap on damages from thousands of concussion-related claims after a federal judge questioned whether there would be enough money to cover as many as 20,000 retired players.
A revised settlement agreement filed in federal court in Philadelphia also eliminates a provision that barred anyone who gets concussion damages from the NFL from suing the NCAA or other amateur football leagues.
In January, U.S. District Judge Anita Brody had denied preliminary approval of the deal because she worried the money could run out sooner than expected. The settlement, negotiated over several months, is designed to last at least 65 years and cover retired players who develop Lou Gehrig’s disease, dementia or other neurological problems believed to be caused by concussions suffered during their pro careers.
“I think there was perception by players and the judge that needed to be addressed, and that is that everyone will need to get paid. Now you have a guarantee,” said plaintiffs’ lawyers Christopher Seeger.
“It was a fantastic deal when we presented it, and it’s got to be considered new and improved now,” he said.