More than 4,000 former NFL players are suing the league for neglecting to tell them about the dangers of blows to the head and hiding evidence that linked head trauma with long-term brain damage. The plaintiffs are demanding damages and a medical monitoring program that will aid players in the event they experience symptoms of brain damage. The NFL denies the charges. Click here to read more about the case.

Sports journalism students at Columbia University profiled some of the plaintiffs to understand why they were suing and what kind of impact their football careers had on their lives.

Eric Crabtree

Bob Avellini

Jim Cheyunski

Floyd Little

Terry Hanratty

Karl Mecklenburg

Paul Rochester

Larry Cole

John Banaszak

Dale Hackbart

Joe DeLamielleure

Greg Meisner

Marvin Cobb

Bob Kuechenberg

Reggie Rucker

Ron McDole

Austin Gonsoulin

David Humm

Dick Schafrath

Charlie Babb

Greg Pruitt

Len Hauss

Ted Kwalick

Dexter Bussey

Warren Bankston

Ricky Nattiel

Bob Lurtsema

Dave Elmendorf

John Fourcade

Steve Bartkowski