Navigating Retirement: Understanding NFL Player Benefits

dchoward32
Feb 19
3 min read

Updated: Mar 27

NFL Player changing careers and gaining access to player's benefit's.

Retirement from the NFL isn’t just about stepping away from the game—it’s about stepping into a new chapter. For NFL players considering retirement, understanding the benefits available post-career is crucial. Beyond the thrill of game days, the league provides comprehensive benefits to support retired players’ health, well-being, and financial stability.

Key Benefits for Retired NFL Players

Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan

A cornerstone pension plan ensuring financial security for retired players through contributions from NFL clubs.

88 Benefit Plan

Provides essential medical coverage for players with permanent disabilities sustained during their careers.

NFL Player Insurance Plan

Offers life, medical, dental, and vision insurance to safeguard retired players and their families.

NFL Player Disability and Neurocognitive Benefit Plan

Provides financial support for those facing disabilities due to the physical toll of the game.

Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account

Provides financial assistance to help cover healthcare expenses.

NFL Former Player Life Improvement Plan

Assists retired athletes with medical and disability-related costs, ensuring a smooth transition into life beyond football.

The NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan

The NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan is a Taft-Hartley welfare benefit plan that provides disability benefits to eligible former NFL players who qualify under the plan's terms. This plan will continue for the duration of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) through the 2030 League Year, except for specific amendments.

Key aspects of the plan include:

Benefit Amounts: Minimum benefit amounts remain in effect until April 1, 2031, after which Total and Permanent (T&P) benefits will be reduced:
- Active Football: $48,000 annually
- Inactive Football: $48,000 annually
- Inactive A: $48,000 annually
- Inactive B: $40,000 annually
Medical Records Requirement: Players must submit all available medical records related to their disabling condition(s) at the time of application.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Offset: Effective January 1, 2021, the Inactive A benefit amount is reduced until the player reaches age 65 by the actual SSDI benefit amount received.
Whole Person Evaluation: As of April 1, 2024, T&P disability determination is based on a whole-person evaluation process.
Neurocognitive Disability Benefits: Increased benefit amounts for Mild and Moderate Neurocognitive Impairment Benefits, extended application deadlines, and enhanced eligibility criteria.

The Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan

The Gene Upshaw Health Reimbursement Plan is a Taft-Hartley multiemployer welfare plan that remains in effect during the term of the CBA through 2030. Key features include:

Contributions: Funded by the NFL clubs, contributions ensure adequate financial resources for players' medical reimbursements.
Health Reimbursement Accounts: Eligible players earn credit amounts based on their Credited Seasons:
- 2020-2022: $35,000 per season
- 2023-2024: $40,000 per season
- 2025-2026: $45,000 per season
- 2027-2030: $50,000 per season
- Lifetime cap: $450,000
Allocation for Certain Former Players: Former players under 65 as of April 1, 2020, with at least three Credited Seasons, receive a one-time allocation of $50,000.
Funding and Actuarial Assumptions: Contributions are calculated based on actuarial assumptions in Appendix O of the CBA, ensuring long-term stability.

Why These Benefits Matter

Understanding and utilizing these benefits can make all the difference in a retired player’s quality of life. Whether transitioning into broadcasting, coaching, business, or simply enjoying family time, these programs offer stability and peace of mind.