Former players file suit against NFL in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - Hausfeld LLP has filed a mass personal injury lawsuit on behalf of 106 retired football players against the NFL in Philadelphia federal court (Case No. 12cv0092).

The plaintiffs include former NFL Minnesota Viking Brent Boyd and three Hall of Famers: Lemuel Barney (Detroit Lions), Joe DeLamielleure (Buffalo Bills), and Paul Krause (Minnesota Vikings).

The complaint alleges that the players suffered repeated head impacts and concussions during the years they played football, and consequently now face neurological disorders and other injuries, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (“CTE”).  Mr. Boyd, the lead plaintiff in the case, is the only living player to be diagnosed with CTE.  He started the organization “Dignity After Football” to assist thousands of disabled and under-pensioned former players.

The comprehensive legal complaint details how the NFL has long been aware of the serious risks to football players from head impacts, but chose instead to minimize and downplay the scientific evidence acknowledging these risks.  The plaintiffs contend that as a result of the NFL’s improper conduct, the league caused serious injuries to thousands of players.

“As the NFL prepares for the Super Bowl, it has forgotten about the legacy of its former players, many of whom built the league and are now suffering from the devastating consequences of on-field head injuries,” said Richard Lewis, a partner at Hausfeld LLP involved in the case.  “The NFL needs to step up, do the right thing, and compensate the injured retirees who made the game what it is today.”