In April 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Anita Brody of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania invited Frederick Schenk to serve on the National NFL Head Injury Steering Committee, representing retired NFL players who had developed neurological injuries. These injuries included Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and other brain disorders caused by repeated head trauma sustained during their careers. Schenk was one of a select group of attorneys nationwide chosen to lead the legal efforts on behalf of these former professional football players.
The NFL strongly opposed allowing the players to sue or prove their claims, leading to years of intense legal battles. Ultimately, the two sides reached a resolution that enabled former players to register claims and undergo testing for a range of neurological and physical disabilities. Working with the players and the NFL, the court established a trust to compensate injured players for the lasting effects of their head injuries.
The NFL Head Injury Trust was designed to provide financial support for decades, ensuring assistance for players who develop neurological and physical ailments in the future. Schenk played a critical role in helping the families of many former NFL players recover compensation for devastating injuries, including cases where players had to relearn basic skills such as speaking, walking, eating, and grooming. He also represented families of players who tragically passed away due to their neurological conditions.