The state of Illinois is in the process of pushing through a workers’ compensation reform bill, and controversy has arisen for professional athletes. The bills limits workers compensation for athletes, setting a cut-off age of 35, or a period of five years removed from the date of the given injury, whichever is later. If you go down to page 33 and 34 of this PDF you can read more about the change.
The NFLPA has been lobbying against the bill, as it would cost players coverage for injuries suffered over the course of their career. On Friday, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said that if the bill passes, the union will encourage free agents to not sign with the Chicago Bears.