Do no harm: Who should bear the costs of retired NFL players’ medical bills?

The majority of football players are compensated extremely well for what they do... most making my lifetime salary in 1-3 years. To not know that playing football could hurt your body is ignorant in my opinion. I just don't understand why the NFL would have to pay for their medical bills after they're out of the league. I work IT. Will the companies I work for pay for my carpal tunnel surgery I will likely require in 20 years? What if I can't type like I was accustomed to and changes my lifestyle? I then get depressed. How is it any different?

I feel this way because I like football... and if this continues, there won't be any. The consumer will have to pay for this in the end and eventually it will fold. Prices are already atrocious.