Lawyers representing former NFL players in the proposed $US765 million ($A855.9 million) settlement of thousands of concussion-related claims detailed Monday how the money would be divided.
The awards could reach $US5 million for athletes with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease; $US4 million for a death involving brain trauma; and $US3 million for dementia cases.
Under the payout formula, those maximum awards would go to players under 45, who would likely need more lifetime care.
For a man in his early 60s, the awards top out at $US3 million for ALS and $US950,000 for Alzheimer's disease. An 80-year-old with early dementia would get $US25,000.
Individual awards would also reflect how long the player spent in the National Football League, unrelated medical issues and other factors.
For instance, the award could be reduced significantly if someone had injuries from an unrelated stroke or car accident. Men without any neurological problems would get baseline testing, and could seek compensation if the tests reveal any problems.
"This is an extraordinary settlement for retired NFL players and their families - from those who suffer with severe neurocognitive illnesses today, to those who are currently healthy but fear they may develop symptoms decades into the future," Christopher Seeger and Sol Weiss, the lead players' lawyers, said in a statement.
Senior US District Judge Anita Brody of Philadelphia must still approve of the plan; she's expected to hold a fairness hearing later this year.
Individual players can also opt out or object to the settlement, which followed five months of what a mediator called "vigorous" negotiations between the players and the NFL.
"We of course support plaintiffs' motions, and will await further direction from Judge Brody," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
Players taking part will be encouraged to share their medical records with researchers studying brain injuries in football players, according to the extensive papers filed on Monday.
The plaintiffs include class representative Kevin Turner, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots and is now battling ALS.
"The compensation provided in this settlement will lift a heavy (financial) burden off of the men who are suffering," Turner said.
He hopes it will ensure that future players "do not suffer the way that many in my generation have."
More than 4,500 former players have filed suit, some accusing the league of fraud for its handling of concussions.
They include Hall of Fame standout and former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett, and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jim McMahon, who suffers from dementia.
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