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Hall of Fame RB Paul Hornung Sues Riddell Helmets in Connection to Concussions

By George Stockburger

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Green Bay Packers helmet against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Green Bay Packers helmet against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paul Hornung claims Riddell knew the damaging effects of concussions

Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Hornung filed a lawsuit Thursday against Riddell, the manufacturer of professional football helmets. The 80-year-old’s court filing claims the company knew of the long-term effects of concussions, and that they knew their product “provided no protection” against brain injuries.

Ken Belson of The New York Times was the first to report the Hall of Famer’s lawsuit.

The full documentation filed by Hornung can be found here, courtesy of the New York Times.

Hornung’s case lays out how the company knew the effects, yet falsely advertised it to players.

"“Prior to, during and after Paul Hornung’s N.F.L. football career, Riddell knew of the harmful long-term effects of brain traumas sustained by football players while wearing Riddell’s supposed protective equipment; however, it misrepresented and concealed these facts from Paul Hornung,”"

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Hornung played for the Packers from 1957-1966 under the assumption wearing a plastic Riddell helmet would protect him. He is seeking no-less than $50,000 from the sporting-goods manufacturer.

This is not the only legal action being led by former NFL players over the masking of concussions and their potential long-term health damages. The league agreed to a $1 billion settlement in a case brought along by several former NFL players and their families, which is briefed below by NFLConcussionSettlement.com.

"A Settlement of a class action lawsuit was reached with the NFL and NFL Properties and retired NFL players, their representatives and family members. The retired NFL players sued, accusing the NFL of not warning players and hiding the damages of brain injury. On April 22, 2015, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania entered a Final Order and Judgment approving this Settlement."

Paul Hornung won multiple championships during his NFL career, while also taking home an MVP award during his career in Green Bay. While his primary position was at half-back, he was a return specialist, kicker, and punter. He also made 55 passing attempts in his nine seasons playing professional football.

The first overall pick of the 1957 NFL Draft was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

In 2010, the Louisville Sports Commission began awarding the “Paul Hornung Award” to the collegiate player who was deemed the most versatile during the preceding season. Past winners have included Christian McCaffery, Shaq Thompson, Odell Beckham Jr, Tavon Austin, Brandon Boykin, and Owen Marecic.

Hornung played for Notre Dame from 1954-’56 and won the Heisman in 1956 after throwing for over 900 yards, and rushing for an additional 420 yards. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

A Riddell spokeswoman told The New York Times they had no knowledge of Hornung’s lawsuit, and denied providing any further comment on the pending litigation.

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