Tom Pelissero

USA TODAY Sports

A controversial figure in the NFL’s health and safety initiatives is leaving the league, and the decision came from the top.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced in a memo to clubs Wednesday that Dr. Elliot Pellman is retiring as the league moves forward with hiring a “highly-credentialed physician” in a new, full-time role as chief medical officer.

A person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that Goodell made the decision that Pellman should retire after nearly 30 years with the New York Jets and the league office, and Pellman agreed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to reveal details publicly.

“As we add additional full-time medical resources to our team, it is important to recognize and express our gratitude to Dr. Elliot Pellman, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of service, first to the New York Jets and then to the NFL,” Goodell’s memo said. “We thank Dr. Pellman for his dedicated service to the game and for his many contributions to the NFL and our clubs, and appreciate his willingness to aid in this transition over the next few months.”

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Goodell said Pellman’s retirement now prompts a search to fill the vacancy his departure creates.

“We intend to hire a highly-credentialed physician to serve as Chief Medical Officer and work in the league office on a full-time basis,” Goodell wrote. “This individual will be responsible for working with our team medical staffs, the NFLPA and our medical committees, as well as the broader independent scientific and medical communities.

“This individual will add to our expertise and help ensure that our clubs have access to the most up-to-date information, that our research funds are spent in an effective and targeted way, and that our players and team staffs receive timely and thorough information on injuries and injury prevention.”

Goodell added that the search will begin this week and will be led by a panel of health and safety experts, including Dr. Betsy Nabel, the NFL’s chief health and medical adviser.

A rheumatologist based out of Long Island, Pellman served as the chairman of the NFL’s mild-traumatic brain injury committee, despite his lack of experience or expertise in brain trauma.

According to an ESPN Outside the Lines investigation, Pellman led campaigns to discredit the findings of noted scientists for their studies on the effects of concussions.

Pellman was portrayed by Paul Reiser in the movie Concussion.

Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes

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