Los Angeles ( CNN ) -- About a year ago , a former quarterback with the San Diego Chargers and a retired linebacker with the Minnesota Vikings lifted their once-sturdy frames onto a cold examination table . Former NFL players Wayne Clark and Fred McNeill participated in a UCLA study . The researchers found that the more time athletes spent on their feet, the less likely they were to develop chronic knee problems. McNeill has early-stage dementia ; Clark does not . Researchers say other variables may come into play when it comes to the disease .
Former NFL players Wayne Clark and Fred McNeill participated in a UCLA study . The researchers found that the more time athletes spent on their feet, the less likely they were to develop chronic knee problems. McNeill has early-stage dementia ; Clark does not . Researchers say other variables may come into play when it comes to the disease .