Professional football is a very popular sport, and the physical nature of the game of football is part of its appeal, but, at the same time, playing the game can exact a physical and mental toll on players. Violent collisions, as well as other aspects of the sport, can and do cause injuries. Each week during the season, the National Football League (NFL) releases an injury report that lists, for each team, players who are injured, the type or location of the injury (for example, “concussion,” “knee,” or “ribs”), and the players’ status for the upcoming game. During the 2007 season, aside from weeks one and eight, at least 10% of NFL players were identified each week as being injured. Players’ injuries and current health conditions (for example, excess weight and sleep apnea) might have long-term consequences for their health, meaning that today’s injury might become a chronic health problem or disability during retirement from the NFL. The issue has received considerable attention from Congress, including hearings in both chambers.

Documents Related to the Judiciary Committee Investigation into NFL Players' Injuries

• CRS Report on: Former NFL Players: Disabilities, Benefits, and Related Issues
• Committee Letter to NFL Commissioner Goodell Requesting Pension and Healthcare Documentation
• Committee Letter to NFLPA Director Upshaw Requesting Pension and Healthcare Documentation
• NFL Commissioner Goodell's Response to Committee Requests
• NFLPA Responses to Committee Requests
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit A
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit B
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit C
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit D
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit E
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit F
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit G
• NFLPA Responses Exhibit H
• 11/2/07 - NFL Judiciary Committee Answers
• 11/2/07 - NFL Physician Resumes
• 11/5/07 - NFL Medical Grants, Supplemental Materials