Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has backed the use of medicinal marijuana to help injured players.

Marijuana is currently legal in 20 states when used for medical reasons, while both Colorado and Washington - the home states of this year's Super Bowl teams - allow the drug to be used for recreational purposes.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that the league would consider using it if it proves to be beneficial to certain injuries, and Carroll agrees that they should explore the possibility.

"I would say that we have to explore and find ways to make our game a better game and take care of our players in whatever way possible," Carroll told reporters.

"Regardless of what other stigmas might be involved, we have to do this because the world of medicine is doing this."

Carroll will lead his Seahawks side out against the Denver Broncos in Sunday's Super Bowl.