Former players in favor of Proposed NFL Concussion Settlement

On Jan. 6, U.S. District Judge Judge Anita Brody denied the motion for preliminary approval of the Proposed NFL Concussion Settlement. Brody basically said she needed more information to assure that the money being offered by the NFL is sufficient for payouts to injured players over the next 60 years.

After the denial, a number of former NFL players came out in favor of the Concussion Settlement, but they also applauded Brody’s request for more evidence that the funds were sufficient.

Here is what some of the players had to say about the Proposed Settlement and Judge Brody’s initial denial of that Settlement:

Mark Rypian, former Washington Redskins Super Bowl-winning quarterback, said “that as long as the League protects all retired players, monitors their health, compensates the ones that truly need help, and supports those players and their families who are in need, then both sides won the battle. The fact that Judge Brody denied the initial Agreement makes me more comfortable because I know that she wants complete comfort with the fact that retired players will be protected under this Agreement for 60 years to come.”

Eric Allen, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall Of Fame, said “the concussion issue has existed for years, however now there is finally awareness we can all make the game of football safer for the players and just as exciting for the fans. The settlement is a win for everyone because every retired player is protected through medical monitoring, followed by treatment (if applicable). If any player gets sick they get financial recovery. End of story. That is the way the law is suppose to work.”

Greg Landry, a former quarterback and coach who played for the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Colts and Chicago Bears said “I am in complete favor of the Concussion Settlement because I really want the money to get to the guys and their families that truly need it as soon as possible.”

Landry went on to say that he was surprised and delighted that Judge Brody denied preliminary approval of the settlement until she is 100 percent confident that there will be enough money to take care of all retired players if need be. She is protecting both the NFL and the Players.”

Several other former players and individuals connected with the league have also expressed their approval of the settlement, including:

•  Joe Panos, an offensive lineman who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills, and is now an active agent representing NFL players;
• Joe Picarcik, President of the NFL Alumni;
• Rich Miano, a strong safety for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, and one of the first Class Representatives who filed suit in the concussion action
• Britt Hager, a linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Denver Broncos and the St. Louis Rams.

Both Christopher Seeger, Esq., lead negotiator and co-lead counsel for the Class, and Craig Mitnick, Esq., who represented the more than 1400 players who filed suit against the League, commended Brody for her decision, but they also firmly believe that the Proposed Settlement will ultimately be approved by the Court.