NEW YORK (AP) — NEW YORK — In an offseason marked by Junior Seau’s suicide and scores of lawsuits over brain injuries, the NFL is launching a comprehensive wellness program for current and retired players — including a confidential mental health Life Line.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says in an email Thursday announcing NFL Total Wellness that player health remains the highest priority.
An outside agency will run NFL Life Line, a free consultation service to inform players and family members about the signs of a crisis, symptoms of common problems, as well as where to get help.
Brett Favre, Michael Irvin, Michael Strahan and other former stars already have filmed video messages urging players to get help and know they are not alone.
The announcement comes just days after former Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler became the latest big name to sue the league over head injuries.
