Concussion agreement modified

The NFL agreed Wednesday to remove a $675 million cap on damages from thousands of concussion-related claims after a federal judge questioned whether there would be enough money to cover as many as 20,000 retired players.

A revised settlement agreement filed in federal court in Philadelphia also eliminates a provision that barred anyone who gets concussion damages from the NFL from suing the NCAA or other amateur football leagues.

In January, U.S. District Judge Anita Brody had denied preliminary approval of the deal because she worried the money might run out sooner than expected. The settlement is designed to last at least 65 years and cover retired players who develop Lou Gehrig’s disease, dementia or other neurological problems thought to be caused by concussions suffered during their pro careers.

‘‘I think there was perception by players and the judge that needed to be addressed, and that is that everyone will need to get paid,’’ said Christopher Seeger, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. ‘‘Now you have a guarantee. It was a fantastic deal when we presented it, and it’s got to be considered new and improved now.’’

More than 4,500 former players have filed suit, some of whom accuse the league of fraud for its handling of concussions. They include ex-Bears quarterback Jim McMahon, who has dementia.

The revised settlement retains a payout formula for individual retirees that considers their age and illness. A young retiree with Lou Gehrig’s disease would receive $5 million, a 50-year-old with Alzheimer’s disease would get $1.6 million and an 80-year-old with early dementia would get $25,000.

Brody will decide whether to accept the new settlement terms.