NFL reviewing Hernandez lawsuit: 'It contains significant legal issues'

After learning Aaron Hernandez's brain showed signs of Stage 3 CTE, his legal team announced Thursday it will be filing a federal lawsuit against the NFL and the New England Patriots on behalf of the former tight end's family.

"We are reviewing the lawsuit," NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart said in response Friday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. "On first blush, we believe it contains significant legal issues."

Hernandez played three seasons with the Patriots, amassing 175 catches for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns.

He was released by the Patriots after his arrest and eventual conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd. While serving a life sentence in prison, Hernandez died by suicide in his jail cell in April.