Retired NFL Players Struggle with Disability Claims, Accuse League of Bias

Boo Williams, a retired Saints tight end, joins other former players in a fight against the NFL's disability benefit plan, claiming mishandling of claims and unfair denials.

• Boo Williams, a retired NFL player, struggles with debilitating pain and financial difficulties due to what he claims is the mishandling of his disability claims by the NFL.
• Williams was recently awarded $5,000 a month by the NFL's disability benefit plan, but argues he should have been paid $500,000 or more over the past 14 years.
• Williams' case is not unique, with many retired players fighting against the NFL and its NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan.
• Plaintiffs' lawyers argue that the system is rigged against retirees, pointing to a high rate of claim denials and a system where doctors assigned to examine players are paid by the NFL plan.
• Earlier this year, 10 players, including retired Pro Bowl running back Willis McGahee, filed a lawsuit accusing the program of unfairly denying benefits to injured retirees.

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