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

Annual Report

We are pleased to share with you the NFL Player Care Foundation’s Annual Report covering the 2017 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.

2017 NFL Player Care Foundation Annual Report (PDF)

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.

Neurological Care

Added to the Player Care Plan in March 2010, the NFL Neurological Care Program has neurological specialists available at five medical centers to evaluate and treat possible neurological conditions among retired players. The program will assist players with coordinated care at excellent healthcare facilities nationwide. Each center will have a team of specialists available to retired NFL players, led by a neurologist who will serve as a program director. Eligible players who cannot afford treatment may apply to the NFL Player Care Foundation for a grant to cover some or all of the costs of treatment.

Who is eligible for the Program?

Players are eligible if they are former NFL players vested under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan.

What are the benefits?

The Program provides facilitated access, comprehensive evaluation and possible treatment at five top-tier medical centers recognized for their expertise, high-quality service and reputation. Each center will have a team of specialists available, led by a neurologist who will serve as a program director. The five medical facilities are:

• Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
• Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO
• University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA
• Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
• University of California, Los Angeles-Health Systems, Los Angeles, CA

The Program does not provide any funding. However, financial assistance for players may be available to players who qualify for charitable grants through the NFL Player Care Foundation. Further information on the Player Care Foundation is available on this site or you may call the Foundation at 1-800-NFL-GOAL or 1-800-635-4625.

How do Players apply?

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Players interested in the program should contact the medical facilities directly through one of the contacts below:

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 Joint Replacement Program

The NFL Joint Replacement Program provides medical and financial resources to retired players who are uninsured or lack the financing to have joint replacement surgery.

The Plan provides the Basic Benefit to any Eligible Player. If you are covered by insurance, the Basic Benefit is the lesser of (i) $5,250 or (ii) your co-insurance for health care items or services directly related to your surgery, such as your co-pays, provided the expense was incurred within one year of your surgery. If your surgery was performed before October 1, 2009, the $5,250 benefit was $5,000.

If a player is not covered by insurance and does not have the means to pay for this surgery, he may qualify for financial assistance from the NFL Player Care Foundation. In that case, he will not bear any of the costs associated with the surgery as long as the surgery is at one of several specially designated facilities. In addition, most normal complications arising from surgery are covered in full, up to a maximum of $250,000.

For more information regarding the Joint Replacement Benefit Program or to receive an application, please contact 1-800-NFL-GOAL or 1-800-635-4625.

Who is eligible for the Program?

To be eligible for the Basic Benefit, you must be a Retired Player and an independent, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon or Rheumatologist must certify, on a form provided by the Plan, that surgery to replace your knee, hip or shoulder is medically necessary. You must then send the certification, along with a completed application, to the Benefits Administrator to obtain confirmation that you are an Eligible Player. Effective November 1, 2010, if you apply for Joint Replacement Benefits after your surgery, the Benefits Administrator must receive the certification and completed application no later than 365 days after the date of the surgery.

What are the Benefits?

If players are covered by insurance, the Program will pay or reimburse the lesser of (i) $5,250 or (ii) the co-insurance for health care items or services directly related to their surgery. Players are also entitled to special treatment on a VIP basis if they elect to have their surgery at one of the healthcare facilities designated by the NFL Former Player Life Improvement Plan.

How do players apply?

Players must complete an application and a HIPAA authorization form. Also, they must have a Board Certified Orthopedist or Rheumatologist complete the form to certify that joint replacement surgery is medically necessary. Application materials are available by calling the NFL Player Benefits Department at 1-800-NFL-GOAL or 1-800-635-4625.

Where should Players have their surgery?

If players have insurance coverage or other financial resources, they may have their surgery anywhere they choose. However, the NFL Former Player Life Improvement Plan will grant access to a network of facilities throughout the country that are designated centers of excellence for joint replacements. If they choose one of these facilities, they will be treated as a VIP simply because they are retired NFL players. If a player qualifies for financial assistance from the NFL Player Care Foundation, surgery must be at one of the facilities designated by the NFL Former Player Life Improvement Plan. These facilities are located throughout the United States and players may choose where they will have their surgery.

Can Benefits be paid directly to a Provider?

Unless surgery is funded through the NFL Player Care Foundation, Benefits will only be paid to the Player.

Are Plan Benefits subject to an offset?

Generally, yes. For example, the joint replacement benefits are secondary to any other plan or arrangement available to cover expenses related to surgery.

Links

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.Mygoalline.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.MyGoalline.com

Spine Treatment Program

The Spine Treatment Program provides facilitated access to five premier medical centers specializing in spine care to ensure that retired players seeking evaluation and possible treatment of their spine receive top flight care.

Created in June 2009, the program will assist players with coordinated care at excellent healthcare facilities nationwide. Each hospital provides an orthopedic spine surgeon who serves as a program director and coordinates the services of a team of healthcare professionals in the evaluation and, if warranted, treatment of eligible former players. Eligible players who cannot afford treatment may apply to the NFL Player Care Foundation for a grant to cover some or all of the costs of treatment.

Who is eligible for the Program?

Players are eligible if they are former NFL players vested under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan.

What are the benefits?

The Program provides facilitated access, comprehensive evaluation and possible treatment at five top-tier medical centers recognized for their expertise in spine care. Each of the medical facilities has a dedicated orthopedic team available, led by a spine surgeon, in order to service eligible players. The five medical facilities are:

• Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
• Emory Spine Center, Atlanta, GA
• Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO
• University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
• University of California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

The Program does not provide any funding. However, financial assistance may be available to players who qualify for charitable grants through the NFL Player Care Foundation. Further information on the Player Care Foundation is available on this site or you may call the Foundation at 1-800-NFL-GOAL or 1-800-635-4625.

How do Players apply?

Players interested in the program should contact the medical facilities directly through one of the contacts below:

Urology Care Foundation

The Urology Care Foundation advances urologic research and education. The Foundation works with health care providers, researchers, patients and caregivers to improve patients' lives. The Urology Care Foundation is the official foundation of the American Urological Association. For more information on the The Urology Care Foundation's public education efforts please visit http://www.urologyhealth.org/

Brookdale

Brookdale Senior Living provides special discounts and priority access to eligible players for their senior housing and care needs, including Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Brookdale Senior Living offers a choice of more than 1,100 communities in 47 states, covering geographic areas where many former players now live.

Brookdale's goal is to help you in your search for senior living. Whether you’re just getting started or you have already visited several communities, Brookdale is here to serve you by answering questions, talking through concerns, or just listening as you consider your next steps. You can apply your benefits to the following Brookdale Senior Living services:

• Independent Living Communities are perfect for those who don’t need a lot of day-to-day assistance and would prefer to trade-in household chores like cooking and cleaning, and enjoy life in a social and active community environment.
• Assisted Living Communities provide assistance with daily living, like help with taking medication, getting dressed in the morning, bathing, and so on. We offer a range of care services that can enhance quality of life and improve your health and safety.
• Memory Care Communities are specially designed spaces and supporting environments for those living with cognitive challenges brought on by Alzheimer’s and dementia. A leading provider in memory care, Brookdale focuses on creating feelings of belonging and purpose for each unique resident, while seeking to preserve their identity and sense of self through our proprietary Clare Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?

NFL players and families both current and previous.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Brookdale Senior Living 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 his choice. In addition, there are discounts that vary by provider. For specific information, please contact the provider directly at 1-813-440-8415.

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): Liezette Felicione (813) 440-8415

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/