Dr. Jim Kovach played linebacker for seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers, has started Athleticode, a genetic testing and customized training service for professional athletes, Loralee Stevens of the North Bay Business Journal reports.

Athleticode, which will eventually be based in Marin County, California, will provide genetic testing that could determine an athlete's vulnerability to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, which Chris Henry of the Cincinnati Bengals is believed to have played with prior to his tragic death last December.

"I suffered four concussions during my football years," Dr. Kovach said. "But I’ve also wondered if just the minor head-butting that happens continually during practices couldn’t have the same effect.

"With football players especially, there’s a tendency to downplay injuries when they happen and an eagerness to get back into the game after the player has been sidelined. Often 'return to play' is allowed far too soon."

According to the report, three of Athleticode's principal investors are former NFL players, though their identities are not revealed. According to Athleticode's website, several former NFL players are serving as "Athlete Advisers", including former first-round wide receiver Ashley Lelie.