Eligibility

PCF grant applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, in adherence to the following eligibility guidelines:

 • Applicant must be a former NFL player with at least one credited season of NFL play or two seasons of at least eight games each season as a practice player; widows and children of deceased former NFL players, who would otherwise be eligible for support, may also apply.

• Applicant must meet financial qualifications

• Applicants are required to wait at least 3 years from their last assistance before reapplying

Grants Supported by PCF

• Basic living expenses, including transportation and utilities

• Shelter and housing, including rental and mortgage assistance, and assisted living facilities fees and expenses

• Ongoing quality of life expenses such as prescription drugs, medical equipment and supplies, nursing care, and medical treatment

• Medically-necessary joint replacement surgeries approved by the NFL Player Care Plan and related post-operative rehabilitation, including incidental fees and expenses

• Funeral expenses

Grants Not Supported by PCF

• Alimony

• Taxes

• Child Support

• Tuition Assistance

• Fines, penalties or legal expenses, except in extraordinary circumstances

• Luxury items, including cable/satellite television, multiple cell phones, homes or cars

• Credit cards, unless accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation

Grant Guidelines

• All grants shall be made on an objective and non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, gender, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability

• Payments shall be made to creditors rather than individual grant recipients

• All grants shall be awarded on a case-by-case basis

• The Board of Directors shall have discretion to interpret these guidelines and shall have final authority to make determinations as to all grant awards

• The Foundation’s directors, officers, employees and their family members are not eligible to receive grant awards or other support from the Foundation

PCF Career Programs

In May of 2020, the NFL Player Care Foundation launched its NFL PCF Career Portal. The Portal allows players to browse and apply for opportunities that were posted by hiring managers across the country. We are proud that we were able to provide career resources, opportunities, and hope to players at a time when our country was facing record unemployment numbers that were fueled by COVID-19. Since its initial launch, we have had over 850 former players register to network and interview with 60+ employers, including PepsiCo, FedEx Ground, Visa, Lowe’s, NBC Sports, and many of our NFL clubs. Additionally, with assistance from Atrium Workforce Solutions, PCF has been able to review, update and improve over 340 player resumes.

In addition to the introduction of our Inaugural Kickoff Career Fair in September 2021, which followed a successful 3rd Annual Super Bowl Career Fair in February 2021, PCF is making a concerted effort to diversify the career offerings on our portal. We have started engaging with municipalities and national non-profits to hire NFL Legends. Visa will also be launching their “NFL Players in Business Development Program” this fall. The 2-year paid rotational program will expose NFL Legends to different departments across Visa. I believe this innovative model is one that other employers will adopt in the years to come."

PCF looks forward to the continued growth of its NFL PCF Career Programs in the upcoming fiscal year.

Notice of Privacy Practices

Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities.

PCF Notice of Privacy Practices (2021 Update)

Annual Report

We are pleased to share with you the NFL Player Care Foundation’s Annual Report covering the 2019 fiscal year.  It is our hope that the publication provides you with a broader understanding of our work and the contributions we have made to improve the quality of former players’ lives since our inception in 2007.

PCF, its dedicated Board of Directors and Staff are proud of how far the Foundation has come and the number of lives we have touched.  To that end, we also remain committed to evolving with our former player community and educating the public on the complex issues that impact our retirees and their families.  It has been a privilege to give back to those whose contributions have helped advance this great game and teaming with our wonderful partners who enable us to most effectively serve our retired player community.

2023 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

2022 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

2021 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

2020 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

2019 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

2018 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

2017 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

Disaster Relief

PCF continues to monitor the impact of Hurricane Ian and is here to serve former NFL players in need. Please find a list of additional resources below, including information on applying for FEMA Emergency Assistance. Affected individuals residing impacted communities may also qualify for an emergency grant from the NFL Player Care Foundation. To inquire, please reach out to info@nflplayercare.com.

Staying Connected During a Disaster - Technology Tips

FEMA How To Prepare for a Hurricane - Before During  After

Disaster Relief Resources - Central Florida

Healthy Body & Mind Screening Program

The NFL Player Care Foundation (PCF) is proud to partner with the NFL Alumni Association and one of the nation’s premier medical providers ‐ Tulane University School of Medicine ‐ to conduct its Healthy Body and Mind Screening program. This FREE national screening program is open to all former NFL players and includes a series of cardiovascular and prostate screenings and mental health resources and education. With consent from players participating in screenings, clinical information gathered will be used for important research initiatives that may lead to advances that improve the lives of NFL retirees.  NFL Player Care Foundation screenings are offered as part of PCF’s research programs, which help to advance public awareness and scientific understanding of health issues that affect former NFL players.

Please call 954-639-4584 for additional information on this program.

NFL Healthcare Hotline

The NFL Healthcare Hotline is a free telephone service that connects former players to a trained Customer Service Advocate (CSA). These CSAs are on call from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM to answer questions regarding NFL player benefits and can help players maximize the health insurance options available to them under the Affordable Care Act. For more information on the hotline program and the new Affordable Care Act, you may log onto www.NFLHealthCareInformation.com or call 1-800-NFL-GOAL or 1-800-635-4625.

www.NFLHealthCareInformation.com

NFL Life Line

In 2012, the National Football League provided a grant to establish the NFL Life Line for members of the NFL family—current and former NFL players, coaches, team and league staff, and their family members, who may be in crisis. The NFL Life Line is a free, confidential and independently operated resource that connects callers with trained counselors who can help individuals work through any personal or emotional crisis. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To be connected with a counselor, individuals can simply call 1-800-506-0078 or chat online.

www.nfllifeline.org

NFL Player Benefits Office

The NFL Player Benefits Office provides administration services for the following collectively bargained benefit plans: Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan, NFL Player Supplemental Disability Plan, NFL Player Second Career Savings Plan, NFL Player Annuity Program and the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan. By calling 1-800-638-3186 or logging onto www.nflplayerbenefits.com, players can get information regarding which benefits they are eligible to receive, the amount of the benefit, and when and how they can receive the benefits they have earned. The Plan Office has customer service agents who are trained to help you understand and apply for your NFL benefits. They can also answer general questions regarding other collectively bargained benefits that are not administered by the Plan Office and direct players to other resources and benefits available through the NFL or the NFLPA.

www.nflplayerbenefits.com

Brookdale

Brookdale is a proud partner of the NFL Player Care Foundation and has been providing members and their family members (including spouses, adult children, adult step-children, in-laws, siblings, parents, step-parents, grandparents and step-grandparents) exclusive discounts, educational resources, and support since 2008.

As the nation’s leading operator of senior living communities, Brookdale is committed to its mission of enriching the lives of the people it serves with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity.  Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care communities, and through its care and services to support their lifestyle in an environment that feels like home.  The company’s expertise in healthcare, hospitality real estate provides our residents with opportunities to improve wellness, pursue passions and stay connected with friends and loved ones.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Brookdale has agreed to grant priority access to eligible players. Frequently, that means a player will not have to wait to move into a community of their choice in addition to the program discounts available:

• 7.5% discount on Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care

• 10% discount on Private Duty Home Care

• Respite stay discounts (variable by community)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?

Discounts are available to both current and previous NFL players and their family members, including: Spouses, Parents, Stepparents, Siblings, In-Laws, Adult Children, Adult Stepchildren, Grandparents and Step-Grandparents

HOW DOES A PLAYER GET THE BENEFITS?

A player can take advantage of these benefits by contacting Brookdale Senior Living directly and identifying himself as a current or previous NFL Player or family member. Additionally, he can contact the NFL Player Benefits Department at 1-800-NFL-GOAL or 1-800-635-4625.

CONTACTS

Brookdale Senior Living (Preferred Provider): (866) 748-2526

Visit www.brookdale.com/nfl

Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is an independent non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, established to provide financial and medical assistance to dire need retired NFL players and their families in dire need. Gridiron Greats Board of Directors consist of: Mike Ditka, Marv Levy, Gale Sayers, Kyle Turley and Matt Birk.

www.gridirongreats.org

NFL Player Engagement

NFL Player Engagement optimizes and revolutionizes the personal and professional growth of football players through continuous guidance and support before, during and beyond their NFL experience. NFL Player Engagement prepares and supports players with matters such as Education, Physical and Mental Health, Family Safety, Lifestyle and Transition into their post-NFL life. Their goal is to serve and assist as a resource for parents, coaches and athletes in using football as a catalyst to build and develop life skills for success.

www.nflplayerengagement.com

NFL Legends

The Legends Community was developed to embrace and celebrate all who have played in the NFL. Its mission is to bring opportunities and information to former players through other members of the Legends Community and to help them stay connected with former teammates and players they met during their playing days.

There are a number of resources available to assist former players following their playing career. These resources include benefits they may be entitled to including career development, financial, medical, or educational assistance, and total wellness.  The NFL Legends Community is designed to be the single source for information regarding all of these programs.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.nfllegendscommunity.com/

Professional Athletes Foundation

The Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF) provides financial support to any professional or amateur football player or his immediate family in times of financial crisis. PAF is governed by an elected board of directors that oversee all aspects of the funding process.

https://www.yourpaf.com/about/#.VuBxPvkrK70 

NFL Alumni Association

The NFL Alumni Association is a nationwide group of former National Football League players, coaches, and other employees whose mission is to serve, assist, and inform former players and their families.  The association offers a variety of medical, financial, and social programs to help members lead healthy, productive, and connected lives, as well as community initiatives under its "Caring for Kids" programs.  For more information, please visit www.nflalumni.org.

The Trust

The Trust is designed to provide an ecosystem of support for former players, with an emphasis on overall health and successful transition from professional football. The Trust staff counsels players through a wellness plan across six primary pillars: Brain and Body, Career, Education, Financial, Lifestyle and Personal Interaction.

The Trust emerged from the commitment of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and its members to ensure that players are provided access to benefits and services that assist in their success beyond the game of football. It culminates the hard-fought efforts of past and present CBA battles to better serve former NFL players. As such, The Trust is a benefit earned by NFL Players.

www.playerstrust.com

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Since opening it's door in 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has grown in both size and stature. A founding memeber of the NFL Player Care Foundation Board of Directors since its 2007 inception, today, the Pro Hall of Fame stands to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, and Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE. For additional informtion on the Pro Football Hall of Fame please visit http://www.profootballhof.com/ 

Pro Football Retired Players Association

Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA) is an independent and court established retired NFL player organization, designed to develop programs and benefits for the betterment of retired NFL players. PFRPA oversees the Greater Good Fund, its 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, which is specifically designed to develop health, welfare and educational programs for retired NFL players. The association’s comprehensive insurance plans, the PFRPA Dental Plan and PFRPA Vision Plan, are available to its membership. PFRPA brought on WME | IMG to establish an independent agency known as the Football Greats Alliance (FGA). It creates, develops and manages new revenue streams through the strategic development of retired player publicity rights.

PFRPA Board of Directors consist of: Jim Brown, Dave Robinson, Darrell Thompson, Billy Joe DuPree, Mike Haynes, Ron Mix, Mike Singletary, Jackie Slater and Jack Youngblood.

www.pfrpa.com 

The Players Congress

The Players Congress was launched in 2013 for the benefit of over 19,000 NFL veterans and family members of deceased players. The organization’s mission is to assist retired players, families, widows and various Community Causes via income generated through its apparel manufacturing and import business, along with held interest in other projects. The organization functions as a C-Corp (For Profit) and is owned, operated and controlled solely by Retired Players. The Players Congress joined with manufacturing giant, J.H. Design Group, NFL Properties and the Dallas Cowboys in a joint apparel-licensing venture that includes training and opportunities for former players. A portion of royalties are distributed to players through the Pioneer Assistance Fund, the Widows Fund, scholarship assistance and other programs. 

For more information please visit us at : http://www.playerscongress.com

AtriumWORKS

Atrium, an award-winning WBENC-certified Talent Solutions and Extended Workforce Management industry leader, is committed to providing a personalized, humanized approach to staffing. Informed by people, process, and technology, Atrium strives to enhance the candidate experience and elevate each unique employer brand. Atrium's expertise includes nationwide Temporary and Direct Hire Staffing, Payrolling services, Independent Contractor Compliance, Direct Sourcing, Managed Service Provider (MSP) programs, Statement of Work (SOW), and Early Talent Program design.

Atrium supports the NFL PCF Career Program through a personalized and comprehensive talent development initiative. This 360-degree approach includes resume review, interview coaching, job matching, personality assessment consultations, and complete career coaching services for NFL Legends. Additionally, Atrium supports the various employment partners of the PCF through talent curation and strategic Legend recruitment best practices.

For more information visit: https://www.atriumstaff.com/

Microsoft Leap

Founded in 2015, Microsoft Leap opens new doors for talent worldwide. Its mission is to recruit, develop, and upskill diverse talent for employability into the technology industry worldwide. The program aims to close the skills gap through modern hiring and skilling and provides Microsoft-curated, structured learning that help people make a difference from day one. 

For more information visit: https://leap.microsoft.com/en-US/