Local coverage: Head Games: Schools face strengthened concussion guidelines

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The National Football League is joining two New Jersey lawmakers in pushing for federal legislation aimed at protecting student athletes from the dangers of concussions.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is developing national guidelines for schools and youth sport programs.

The legislation by Sen. Robert Menendez and Rep. Bill Pascrell would authorize $5 million in first-year funding to help states train athletic staff and help ensure schools can implement the protocols expected to be established by next year.

NFL executive Adolpho Birch joined the lawmakers for a news conference Monday at a high school in East Rutherford, N.J., where the Super Bowl will be played Sunday.

The NFL is working to settle a lawsuit by thousands of its former players over its handling of concussions.