A football helmet lying on the ground.
IN PHOTO: A football helmet's health warning sticker is pictured between a U.S. flag and the number 55, in memory of former student and NFL player Junior Seau, as the Oceanside Pirates high school football team prepares for their Friday night game in Oceanside, California September 14, 2012. Picture taken September 14, 2012. REUTERS/Mike Blake

The National Football League, or NFL has come to an agreement over compensation to be given to former players who already have or might develop neurological diseases as a result of concussions suffered during their playing career. The compensation amount, awarded by a federal judge on Wednesday, could reach $1 billion. There is no cap on the amount as it is dependent on the gravity of the settlement claims.

The NFL has for years been accused of hiding the risks of concussions due to hits on the field and even now, continues to maintain its innocence. But high profile incidents involving former NFL players have shown otherwise. Researchers at Department of Veterans Affairs found that 76 of 79 former NFL players had brain damage in the form of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Repetitive head trauma affects normal functioning and kills brain cells. Concussions could also lead to a variety of neurological disorders like Lou Gehrig’s disease, dementia and Parkinson’s.

Increasing cases of domestic abuse and violence by NFL players have also been seen. Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher, in 2013, shot to death his girlfriend at their home before driving to the training ground and killing himself in front of coach Romeo Crennel and GM Scott Piolo. An autopsy conducted last year showed he had suffered effects of CTE.

CTE was also seen in Junior Seau, often considered one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the NFL. He played twenty seasons in the league, and two years after retirement, after turning alcoholic and misusing pills, he shot himself in 2012.

Now, 5000 former NFL players who came together to fight against the NFL authorities will receive compensation over the course of the next 65 years depending upon their medical situation.

"We can rest easier knowing that this agreement gives us access to important medical testing now, and provides a guaranteed safety net for those who develop severe neurocognitive illnesses in the future," said Shawn Wooden , formerly of the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears, to ESPN.

RELATED STORIES