Resources

Being successful on and off the field sometimes requires a little support. A variety of NFL and community resources are available to help you and your family navigate any challenge — physical, professional, or emotional — and that help can make a big difference.

 

Narrow the list of resources below by selecting from the criteria in the left column, or expand it to browse the full list.

 

For immediate, independent, and confidential support, call the NFL Life Line at (800) 506-0078.

Audiences

Subjects

Resource Type

NFL Player Assistance and Counseling Program

An NFL Resource

For

Current PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

Current and former NFL players and their families can receive up to eight free counseling sessions through this Cigna-run service, as well as referrals for child care, elder care, financial, legal, and other resources. Call (866) 421-8628 to get started.

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NFL Life Line

For

Coaches & StaffCurrent PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersHealth & WellnessImmediate Crisis

This free, confidential, and independently operated resource connects callers with trained counselors to work through any personal or emotional crisis. Call (800) 506-0078, or chat online — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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NFL Player Care Foundation

For

Former PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

The NFL Player Care Foundation (PCF) provides charitable grants to qualified former players experiencing financial hardship. It also promotes free cardiovascular and prostate screenings at events across the country.

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NFL Player Engagement

An NFL Resource

For

Current PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersCareerEducationFinanceHealth & Wellness

The NFL provides current players and recently transitioned NFL alumni with personal and professional development resources, while supporting and educating their families. Explore this program to take full advantage of your NFL experience.

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NFL Player Benefits

An NFL Resource

For

Former PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

Members of the NFL Legends community are eligible for a variety of benefits, including health and life insurance, disability benefits, pensions, and 401(k) investments. Log in to the benefits portal, or call a benefits representative for more information.

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The Trust

For

Former PlayersEducationFinanceHealth & Wellness

The Trust is an initiative that provides former NFL players with resources related to six key areas: brain and body health, careers, finances, education, personal interaction, and lifestyle.

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Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF)

For

Former PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

PAF connects former NFL players with medical and financial support during times of crisis.

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88 Plan

For

Former PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

The 88 Plan reimburses health care costs for vested NFL players with dementia, ALS, or Parkinson’s disease. Learn more, and apply by clicking below or by calling the Player Benefits Administration Office at (800) 638-3186.

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Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund

For

Family MembersFormer PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

Gridiron Greats is an independent public charity that provides retired NFL players in need and their families with vital support, including medical evaluations, housing, and financial assistance and the coordination of food services. The fund was founded by former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka.

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Gene Upshaw Player Assistance Trust Fund

For

Former PlayersEducationFinanceHealth & Wellness

This fund provides former professional and amateur football players with financial support during times of crisis, medical emergencies, or in the pursuit of an undergraduate degree. The fund was created by the Professional Athletes Foundation.

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Retired Players Association

For

Family MembersFormer PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

The Retired Players Association (RPA) provides financial and medical support for retired NFL players suffering from Alzheimer’s or ALS, particularly related to head trauma. The RPA was organized by former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl defensive lineman Carl Eller.

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Money Management International

For

Coaches & StaffCurrent PlayersFinance

Money Management International (MMI) has financial tools created specifically for the NFL. Players and club staff members can manage budgets with an easy-to-use workbook and can access financial classes on income management, savings, and more.

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NFL Players Association

For

Current PlayersFormer PlayersFinanceHealth & Wellness

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) offers financial guidance, legal support, and health and wellness programs to current and former players and the NFL community.

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NFL Continuing Education Program

An NFL Resource

For

Current PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersEducation

The NFL Continuing Education Program (CEP) helps current players finish their undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees. The program works with schools to allow players to conveniently study in their club’s city and become better prepared for life after football.

Explore NFL CEP

NFL Total Wellness

An NFL Resource

For

Current PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersCareerFinanceHealth & Wellness

This comprehensive NFL resource helps NFL Family members succeed in all areas of life. Topics include healthy relationships, financial responsibility, and transitioning from the NFL to a new career or calling. Take advantage of these resources to stay healthy — on and off the field.

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Psychology Today Therapist Locator

For

Current PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersHealth & Wellness

This free service from the national publication Psychology Today helps people find a licensed therapist in their area.

Find a Provider

National Institutes of Mental Health

For

Current PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersHealth & Wellness

National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) is a government agency focused on improving the understanding and treatment of mental health challenges. Explore NIMH resources to find support in your community.

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National Alliance on Mental Illness

For

Coaches & StaffCurrent PlayersFamily MembersHealth & Wellness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) was created to build better lives for the millions of Americans who live with mental health challenges. Locate your nearest NAMI program to connect with resources in your region.

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Network of Care

For

Coaches & StaffCurrent PlayersFamily MembersFormer PlayersHealth & Wellness

Network of Care connects people with mental health and substance abuse resources in their area.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

For

Coaches & StaffCurrent PlayersFamily MembersHealth & Wellness

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government agency dedicated to reducing substance abuse and to addressing mental health issues. Use the SAMHSA treatment locator to find a provider near you.

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Veterans Crisis Line

For

Health & WellnessImmediate Crisis

This confidential hotline, online chat, and text service connects veterans, active military personnel, and their family members with trained U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online, or text message to 838255 to get immediate 24/7 support.

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

For

Health & WellnessImmediate Crisis

988 is a 24/7/365 free, confidential hotline for anyone who is thinking about suicide or needs emotional support. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center where a trained responder will provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals by phone. This SAMHSA-funded national network of more than 155 crisis centers is administered by MHA-NYC, which also supports the NFL Life Line and Veterans Crisis Line.

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Independent,  Confidential  Support

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(800) 506-0078

If you are in crisis and not a member of the NFL family, please call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.