Super Bowl Winner Loses Disability Benefit Suit Against NFL Plan

March 14, 2024, 1:53 PM UTC

A fullback on the Denver Broncos’ 1997 and 1998 Super Bowl-winning teams lost his lawsuit seeking benefits from the NFL disability plan, when a federal judge adopted a magistrate report favoring the league.

Detron Smith, who also played for the Indianapolis Colts during his eight-season career, said he’s unable to work due to chronic pain and cognitive issues stemming from his repeated on-the-field injuries. Smith, who sought nearly $400,000 in past-due benefits and monthly benefits of $7,750 going forward, said the league plan improperly terminated his “total and permanent” disability benefits in 2016 even though his impairments hadn’t improved.

Magistrate ...

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