Former NFL players testified on Capitol hill Wednesday about head injuries on the field.

The hearing was prompted by a recent NFL study that found retired players are 19 times more likely to suffer from alzheimer's disease or other memory deficiencies.

NFL players and union leaders testified on the lasting impact of brain injuries, how to limit them, and how the league can compensate players.

"Our goal is to make the game as safe as possible for those who love to play it and to give our retirees the support and respect they deserve," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

"We are committed to getting the right answers, to work with everyone with the goal of protecting our players and to serve as a model for football at every level," DeMaurice Smith, with the NFL Players Association, said.

Right now, the NFL offers the "88 Plan," named for former player John Mackey, who wore the number 88 for the Baltimore Colts in the 60s and now suffers from dementia.

It provides up to $88,000 a year to former players suffering from brain injuries.