WASHINGTON (SBG) - Legendary linebacker Dave Robinson is at a clinic in Bethesda, Maryland doing something he seldom did as a hall of fame player, laying down. Robinson is taking his first "dive" into a hyperbaric chamber.

While the FDA approves hyperbaric oxygen treatment, also known as HBOT for 14 conditions, it has yet to approve it for treating brain injuries.

17 peer-reviewed studies have show HBOT can heal injured brains. Dr. Joe Maroon, a neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers has also come out in favor of the treatment.

Spotlight on America: The battle to help cure concussions (SBG)

"It reduces inflammation in the body and also helps promote the formation of stem cells that can differentiate into new brain cells."

It's an important breakthrough because doctors now say brain injuries are at the center of countless cases of depression and death tied to suicides, including military veterans and professional athletes.

Robinson, who helped lead the Green Bay Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowl's was known for his aggressive tackling but took a lot of hits, too. Concussions left Robinson foggy about the games he played in.

Spotlight on America: The battle to help cure concussions (SBG)

"I could talk to you and everything we said tomorrow, I’ll forget most of it."

Robinson found out about HBOT at the Pro Football Retired Players Association where he and other hall of famers including Mike Singletary, Mike Haynes, Ron Mix and Billy Joe Dupree are on the board of directors.

HBOT experts are on the agenda a lot here, and one of the major issues discussed is how insurance will not pay for treatments at this time.

Spotlight on America: The battle to help cure concussions (SBG)

And like most NFL players who played before 1993, Robinson does not receive enough in his monthly pension to pay for the treatments he needs.

Executive Director of the Pro Football Retired Players Association Bob Schmidt is leading a push to get the NFL to provide regional HBOT clinics where current and retired players can help at no cost.

But at 78 years old, Robinson says he knows he's racing against the clock.

Spotlight on America: The battle to help cure concussions (SBG)

"I don’t want to get to that point where I don’t’ recognize my friends, don’t know where I am."