Drew Brees -- The NFL Is Far from Fixing Concussion Problem

Long-term brain damage remains a serious issue among NFL players ... and the league still has LOTS of work to do in order to fix it ... so says New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees.

Brees said, "I think it's a major issue. It's something that we need to continue to put research [into] and treatment protocols at the forefront to try to find ways to treat guys that have those long-term head and neck injuries when they leave this game."

He added, "It is definitely a serious problem."

You'll recall, pro football has recently come under intense scrutiny for its long-term health risks -- following the high-profile suicides of several NFL stars like Junior Seau. The deaths have been attributed to a brain disease stemming from injuries the players sustained during their careers.

Last week, Adrian Peterson -- one of the greatest running backs of all time -- said he would never let his son play the game.

Even President Obama has said he would have to think twice about whether he would let a son of his play football due to the health risks.