The NFL has settled in a historic $765 million deal with thousands of former players who accused the league of covering up the risks and dangers associated with playing professional football.

As part of the agreement, the league will pay for medical exams, concussion-related compensation, a medical research program, and legal expenses, according to the U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania.

At least 4,500 players were involved in the process, which caused negative publicity across the board for the NFL. The league has continued to cover up issues about health, as the New York Times recently reported that the league convinced ESPN to pull out of a PBS documentary called "League of Denial," which will highlight the brain injury risks and long-term health effects of playing football.

ESPN reporter Kevin Seifert wrote an article for ESPN titled "NFL concussion settlement saves the game" and told fans to mark today as one of the most important days in NFL history.

The settlement was one that players waited years for. Retired federal judge Layn Phillips served as a mediator in the case and elaborated upon the impact of the lawsuit.

"This is a historic agreement, one that will make sure that former NFL players who need and deserve compensation will receive it, and that will promote safety for players at all levels of football," Judge Phillips said. "Rather than litigate literally thousands of complex individual claims over many years, the parties have reached an agreement that, if approved, will provide relief and support where it is needed at a time when it is most needed."

Another part of the settlement includes compensation for the families of players who committed suicide. It was found after an autopsy that Junior Seau, who took his own life in 2012, suffered from a degenerative brain disease stemming from his playing days.

While the case was significant for the league and the players going forward, it still does not erase the damage that has already been done. Tina McNeil, the wife of former NFL player Fred McNeil, said her husband suffers from dementia and won't even remember today's news.

"I think he will pay attention for a minute, say 'Oh wow,' and then not really think about it until someone brings it up again,"

The NFL has implemented rule changes to help prevent the number of injuries in the future, but the league still faces an uphill battle. Gead injuries will keep occurring until the league makes significant changes to the gameplay on the field.