CHICAGO -- Mike Ditka has a message for the NFL and congressional leaders: more action not studies.

The Hall of Famer and Aliquippa native spoke Tuesday on the eve of a congressional hearing on head injuries among NFL players.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and union executive director DeMaurice Smith are to testify Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee along with former players and medical experts. Ditka hopes they can reach a conclusion so ailing retirees can get the help they need.

A preliminary study for the NFL indicates retired players may have a higher rate than normal of Alzheimer's disease or other memory problems.