PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The NFL urged a judge to approve an estimated $1 billion settlement of concussion claims despite objections raised by former players and relatives.
The 65-year settlement fund would resolve thousands of lawsuits that accuse the NFL of hiding what it knew about concussions to keep men on the field.
The NFL now expects 6,000 retired players – or 28 percent – to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Their average payout is expected to be $190,000.
The awards reach several million dollars for Lou Gehrig’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.
Thirty-three-year-old Ben Utecht (EW-tekt) suffered five concussions during a career that earned him a 2007 Super Bowl ring. He worries that he won’t recognize his daughters someday and fears the fund will run out.