Preventing Conflicts of Interest of NFL Team Physicians

National Football League (NFL) team physicians are selected and compensated by the individual teams to provide health care to the players and health status assessments for the teams. These dual responsibilities result in dual loyalties and entrenched conflicts of interest. In this regard, NFL clubs are in the same position as other employers who have an economic interest in the health of their employees and their ability to perform job-related functions. A structural change in the relationship is necessary to ensure that the privacy, autonomy, and health interests of the players are protected