9 ex-players opt out of NFL concussion litigation; about 20,000 in class, deadline is Oct. 14

Lawyers for thousands of former football players involved in the NFL concussion litigation say nine have opted out of the proposed settlement.

The deadline to opt out is Oct. 14, although some retirees want a judge to extend the date.

The NFL has agreed to pay at least $765 million over 65 years. About 20,000 ex-players would be covered by the agreement.

Individual awards could reach $5 million for severe brain trauma. The average ex-player with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is expected to get about $190,000.

The players' lawyers filed a motion Thursday asking U.S. District Senior Judge Anita Brody to keep the current timelines for settling the case. They say families need money soon.

But some plaintiffs want the opt-out deadline delayed until after the judge weighs the fairness of the settlement in November.