Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday the donation to the foundation, which helps raise private funding for the NIH, the nation’s leading medical research agency. The research is designed to benefit athletes and the general population, including members of the military, Goodell said.

Potential areas of research under the grant include the brain, specifically chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), concussion management and treatment, and the understanding of the relationship between traumatic brain injury and late-life neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

‘‘We hope this grant will help accelerate the medical community’s pursuit of pioneering research to enhance the health of athletes past, present and future,’’ Goodell said.

Dr. Stephanie James, acting executive director of the Foundation for the NIH, expects the grant have a positive effect on people in all walks of life.

‘‘We are grateful for the NFL’s generosity,’’ James said. ‘‘The research to be funded by this donation will accelerate scientific discovery that will benefit athletes and the general public alike.’’