NFL donation helps launch institute on sports health, safety

SEATTLE (AP) The University of Washington has announced the launch of a sports health and safety institute paid for in part with a $2.5 million donation from the NFL.

The institute announced Wednesday is believed to be a first-of-its-kind institute devoted to sports health and safety research and treatment with a specific emphasis on concussions and traumatic brain injury.

The institute will be led by Dr. Richard Ellenbogen and Dr. Stan Herring. Ellenbogen is the co-chair of the NFL's Head, Neck and Spine Committee, while Herring is the team physician for the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners and serves on the NFL committee.

Herring says while the initial focus will be on head injuries, there will be other areas of study including sudden cardiac arrest.