The concussion settlement is an agreement between the NFL and former NFL players and their families that provides baseline medical exams and monetary awards for retired players diagnosed with certain serious neurological conditions. The settlement ended a long-standing legal battle between the NFL and the players and their families, who were seeking compensation for the long-term neurological effects of playing in the league.
Introduction to the Concussion Settlement
The concussion settlement was approved by a federal court in 2015, following years of litigation between the National Football League and thousands of former players and their families. The fund for monetary awards is uncapped, meaning there is no overall dollar limit, and the program runs for 65 years. More than $1 billion in awards has been approved so far.
Claims are handled by an independent Claims Administrator, BrownGreer PLC, through the official settlement website at nflconcussionsettlement.com. They are not filed with the NFL.
Who is eligible for the Concussion Settlement?
The settlement class generally includes:
- Retired players who retired from the NFL on or before July 7, 2014
- Players who registered with the settlement program (the main registration deadline was in 2017, with late registration allowed only for good cause)
- Players who did not opt out of the settlement in 2014
- Representative and derivative claimants, such as family members or the estate of a deceased or incapacitated player
Players do not need to prove that their diagnosis was caused by football, and a diagnosis received after 2015 can still qualify.
Qualifying diagnoses
Monetary awards are only available for specific Qualifying Diagnoses:
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Level 2 Neurocognitive Impairment (moderate dementia)
- Level 1.5 Neurocognitive Impairment (early dementia)
- Death with CTE, only for players who died before April 22, 2015
A general concussion history, headaches or a single concussion with full recovery does not qualify on its own.
What benefits are available through the Concussion Settlement?
Free neuropsychological and neurological exams for eligible retired players. A BAP exam creates a baseline that can make it easier to show decline later, and can lead to a qualifying diagnosis.
Cash awards for players with a Qualifying Diagnosis. The amount depends on the diagnosis, the player’s age at diagnosis and number of eligible seasons, with reductions for certain factors. Maximum awards range from $1.5 million to $5 million.
Programs promoting safety and injury prevention, and education about brain health for retired players.
How to file a claim for the Concussion Settlement
Make sure you are a registered Settlement Class Member.
The diagnosis must come from a Qualified MAF Physician or through the BAP, after an in-person exam.
A signed Claim Form, HIPAA authorization, Diagnosing Physician Certification Form, medical records reflecting your diagnosis, and proof of eligible seasons.
File through the official settlement website. Decisions can be appealed, but appeal windows are short.
Concussion Settlement vs. NFL disability benefits
The concussion settlement is separate from the NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan. Players may qualify for one, the other, or both. Memory, focus or mood problems that don’t reach a Qualifying Diagnosis under the settlement may still support a monthly Neurocognitive benefit claim of $4,500 to $6,500 under the Disability Plan.
Wrapping Up
The NFL concussion settlement provides baseline exams and monetary awards to retired players with qualifying neurological diagnoses, and it is still accepting claims in 2026. Players who believe they may qualify should confirm their registration, get evaluated, and submit a complete claim package to the Claims Administrator.
Understanding the NFL concussion settlement and determining your eligibility is an important step in ensuring that you and your family receive the benefits and financial compensation that you deserve. Our team can help you understand more about disabilities you may have incurred while playing football.
Information reflects the NFL Concussion Settlement program as of 2026. The Settlement Agreement governs. Legacy Pro Sports is not affiliated with the settlement program or the Claims Administrator.