The NFL will hire a Chief Medical Officer to oversee health initiatives and work in the league office on a full-time basis.

The memo, which was obtained by NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, also stated that Dr. Elliot Pellman is retiring after nearly 30 years of service with the league and New York Jets.

The Chief Medical Officer's duties will include working with league medical staffs, the NFL Players Association and NFL medical committees, according to the memo. He or she will help clubs and players obtain timely and accurate information about injuries and injury prevention and ensure that research funds are spent in an effective manner.

Goodell wrote the new position is aimed at continuing and expanding upon initiatives and expert resources that are "designed to accelerate science, identify new technologies and means of preventing and treating injuries, and make our sport safer."