Landmark Settlement Approved In NFL Players’ Disability Benefits Class Case

A federal judge has granted final approval to a nationwide class action settlement that brings an end to race norming in NFL disability benefit evaluations and creates a path for affected former players to have their claims reviewed.

Race norming is a controversial practice that adjusted neurocognitive test scores based on a player’s race. These types of adjustments could make it harder for some former players to qualify for disability benefits related to cognitive impairment. While the Plans directed doctors to stop using race-based adjustments in 2021, earlier claims were never revisited.

What Is Changing?

With final approval now in place, former NFL players whose disability claims may have been affected by race norming will have the opportunity for their claims to be reassessed under race-neutral standards.

The settlement also permanently eliminates the use of race norming in future neurocognitive disability benefit determinations. By addressing past claims and changing how future claims are evaluated, the agreement is expected to impact former players across the country.

Why This Settlement Matters

The case was about more than individual claims. It sought lasting changes to ensure disability benefit determinations are based on the same standards for every player, regardless of race. The settlement puts non-white players back on equal footing.

Beasley Allen’s Role

Beasley Allen’s Dee Miles, Rebecca Gilliland, and Leon Hampton negotiated the settlement alongside co-counsel Thomas O. Sinclair of Sinclair Law Firm. The lawsuit, filed largely under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), challenged the use of race-based adjustments in disability benefit evaluations and sought system-wide reform.

The Court has not yet decided attorney fees, case costs, or service awards for the class representatives. Any amounts approved by the Court will be paid separately and will not reduce the compensation available to Class Members. Eligible players who qualify after their testing data is rescored will still receive their share of the settlement funds.

For former players and their families, the ruling represents a significant step toward a fairer disability benefits process and equal treatment for all players seeking benefits.