The NFL has allocated $17 million in funds to back National Institutes of Health-supported research into diseases and health issues related to concussions and brain injuries, according to a report from The Washington Post.
The funds will support an NIH-funded study conducted by the Department of Defense and research spearheaded by the NIH's National Institute on Aging, according to the NFL.
"These research initiatives represent important scientific projects, with proven track records of achievement that affect public health," the NFL said in a statement, cited by the Post. "Each of these research programs receives substantial federal funding. Through this commitment, the league hopes to advance the understanding of concussion and other brain injuries, especially among athletes and veterans."
The NFL's donation follows criticism the league received for not fully meeting a previous commitment to provide concussion research funding to the NIH. Under an original 2012 agreement, the NFL was to provide the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health with $30 million. The league fell $16.3 million short of meeting that commitment, according to the Post.
More articles on population health:
US cancer deaths continue to decline: 5 report findings
Smokers face higher risk for spinal surgery: 5 findings
CDC to host training event for health professionals on response to nuclear detonation crisis: 5 things to know