The existing programs were also under the players association, which gets rid of the issues others have mentioned about things like anonymity. It also makes questionable the various claims that this is a PR move by the NFL: These are legitimate actions by the players association to try to improve the safety, security, and careers of players.
Making the process easier (or even just "hipper") is a good thing, and pointing out that comparatively they already have a slightly harder process doesn't mean much: Such is the case with almost everything we do, making tasks slightly easier.
