FORMER PLAYER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELCOME FRATERNITY
We are “One Team” built around a fraternity of former players who are aligned, connected and engaged, working together in life beyond football.
Our Mission
The mission of the NFLPA Former Player Services Department is to assist former NFL players in their transition from the playing field into life after football, empower them to improve their quality of life and encourage them to positively impact the communities in which they live.
FORMER PLAYERS
Nolan Harrison, Senior Director
Nolan.Harrison@nflpa.com (202)756-9157
Lorenzo Kaufman, Senior Manager
Lorenzo.Kaufman@nflpa.com
(202)756-9167 To
Events
The FPSD is committed to providing opportunities for our former players to connect, network and grow. We fund four local events per year for all of our chapters. One of these events is a special event called the “Chapter Meetup” where our FPSD senior staff puts on the event and are on hand to answer any questions and concerns of the chapter members, as well as educate the members about any important former player information and updates from the NFLPA.
Looking to get together with your brothers for some fun in the sun?! The FPSD holds an annual event each year called the NFLPA Former Players Summer Getaway. This world class family focused event consists of two action packed days filled with great fun and activities, entertainment, professional and personal development programming. Hundreds of former players attend each year and leave feeling empowered and enriched from being back around their former player fraternity. The FPSD also produces other former player meetings during the year geared towards education and development.
NFLPA Former Player Chapters
The NFLPA has over 30+ chapters in cities all across America for you to connect with. From social and networking events to community service opportunities, there is never a dull moment with your NFLPA Fraternity!
When you join a chapter, you will start receiving information about upcoming events and ways to get involved. Joining is easy, and there’s no commitment - just show up and have fun! To get involved, visit
https://nflpa.com/former-players/chapters or email us at chapters@nflpa.com to learn more.
The NFLPA Former Players App
The NFLPA Former Players App is an exclusive platform that allows you to connect with your fellow members. Here are just a few things you can expect when you download the app and create your profile:
• Post/View content: lead and contribute to discussions, tailor your profile to see content from former players near you and engage with NFLPA resources!
• Find resources and benefits: NFLPA Player News, Benefits, Events, Discounts, Chapter Opportunities, The PAF, and The Trust are all available at the touch of a button on the app. Get the answers and support you need when you need it!
• Earn Coins for NFLPA Swag: Almost everything you do on the app, from logging in to posting topics to reading articles to commenting on posts, earns you coins to redeem for free NFLPA merchandise.
• Access your virtual membership card: Update your profile and access your membership card with a few quick steps. Download the NFLPA Former Players App in the Google Play or iPhone App Store.
REWARDS
Your membership to this great fraternity of men is FREE. You have already earned all that comes with being part of this distinguished group of players. The best way to ensure you have access to all of your hard-earned benefits is to keep your NFLPA.com account updated.
You can do it yourself, from the comfort of your own home. To update, login to NFLPA.com (if you forgot your username or password simply click forgot username/ password and follow the instructions to reset. Once you’re back in > click your name > click profile > update your information > then click the “Profile is Up to Date” button.
Give our department a call at 833-2FORMER. Someone from our staff will walk you through a quick update! This is a very important update to make, and will ensure you still have access to NFLPA events, benefits, resources, FREE YMCA membership, etc.
Discounts
The NFLPA Lifetime Membership gives you access to exclusive perks, such as:
• 70+ Discounts in 10+ categories, such as men’s fashion, car rentals, entertainment, and personal development.
• Score BIG savings at some of your favorite brands, such as 50% off of Cole Haan Merchandise, 50% off Axle Fitness Equipment, 40% off UNTUCKit and more!
• Become a part of the Callaway Golf VIP Club for free and save on your favorite clubs.
• Activate tuition discounts at some of the top educational institutions in the country, such as Liberty University, Seton Hall, and Indiana University.
Additional Resources
CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES FOR PLAYERS WITH LESS THAN TWO CREDITED SEASONS
The Player Care Foundation (PCF) is an independent organization dedicated to helping retired players improve their quality of life. PCF addresses all aspects of life by providing programs and assistance with medical, mental health, financial, social and community issues. Call (800) 635-4625 for more information.
We have partnered with Lee Hecht Harrison to offer a one-month transition coaching program to help our players with a career assessment, resume building, interviewing skills and many other tools for a successful transition or even a second career transition.
Additionally, we offer Free LinkedIn Learning accounts for players to gain new skills and advance their careers.
For both Lee Hecht Harrison and LinkedIn Learning, email formerplayers@nflpa.com.
Widows & Caregivers
As an NFLPA member, additional benefits are available to you through a Free Lifetime membership with Union Plus. Take advantage of valuable resources such as Car/ Home/Life insurance, medical bill negotiation and legal services, and financial assistance.
The NFLPA has resources for widows and caretakers to help them stay connected. Visit https://nflpa.com/resources-forwidows-and-caregivers for more information or contact formerplayers@nflpa.com to access NFLPA.com and the exclusive side of the NFLPA Former Player App.
PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES FOUNDATION
The Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF) is the charitable arm of the NFLPA that works to support, inspire, and strengthen former NFL players and their families in unique and meaningful ways.
GUPAT
Hardship Grant:
During an unforeseen financial hardship any player, regardless of years of service, can apply to the PAF’s GUPAT fund.
Passport to Wellness:
The PAF brings unmatched opportunities for our former players and spouses to cultivate connection and embrace overall well-being.
Family Scholarship:
Former Players: Is your child a high school senior?
Has he or she committed to playing a collegiate sport? A one-time scholarship could be waiting for them!
To learn more about additional PAF resources and programs:
• You are facing an unforeseen challenge with your health, wellness, or financial responsibilities;
• If you are looking for local mental health resources or services in your community;
• You have questions or need more information about a matter that is not listed.
PAF Staff
Andre Collins, PAF Executive Director (202) 756-9162
Tyrone Allen, PAF Director (202) 756-9163
Caryl Banks, PAF Manager (202) 756-9161
Leslie Isler, PAF Manager (202) 756-9140
Laura Stefanow, PAF Associate
(202) 756-9168
Staff photographed during a 2019 PAF health screening in Anaheim, CA. Throughout the year, the PAF travels across the country to provide free comprehensive screenings to all former players and their spouses.
THE TRUST’S
COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
OPPORTUNITIES
HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCES
PERSONAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
BENEFITS DEPARTMENT
The Benefits Department assists in the negotiation, design and administration of NFL player benefits.
The mission of the Benefits Department is to empower past, present and future NFL players with the knowledge of their benefits in order to make informed life stage decisions.
Bethany Marshall, Director
(202) 756-9154
Jarred
Log in to NFLPlayerBenefits.com
We’ve created a new easy to understand and use benefits site based on your input and feedback.
Once you log in you will have access to:
• Your financial, health, disability, and career benefits information
• New tools and resources to help you understand your retirement benefits better
• The ability to update beneficiaries and apply for benefits online
• All the support resources you need
Call the plan office at (800) 638-3186 if you have any questions.
ROADMAP
Continue Your Transition with a Game Plan
The Trust will meet you wherever you are in your transition with programs and services that are designed to help you achieve your specific goals in your life after football. Contact them today to schedule a Wraparound and get your custom game plan started:
(866) 725-0063
info@playerstrust.com
www.playerstrust.com
Tuition Reimbursement
Eligibility Requirements
Expenses Must be incurred within 72 months of the first day of the Plan Year following your last regular or post season game.
8
The NFL Player Tuition Assistance Plan is not funded for 2020-2023 due to COVIDCBA amendments. NFLPA Board of Player Representatives voted to allocate benefit dollars in future years to restore cancelled benefits (Tuition Reimbursement in this case) for players who would have qualified for such a benefit. Players who would have qualified for the Tuition Assistance Plan, had it remained in place, would be reimbursed no sooner than the 2023 League Year.
Call (800) 372-2000 or email tuition@nflpa.com to verify eligibility.
Severance Payment
Players with 2 or more Credited Seasons receive a lump sum payment after you have been without league activity for 12 months
7 Annuity
Players vested in the Annuity Program have access to non-qualified account at earlier of age 45- or 5-years post career, and access to tax-qualified account at later of age 35 or 5 years post career.
GU HRA
(Health Reimbursement Account)
Players with 3 or more Credited Seasons are vested in the HRA:
$25,000 per credited season 2006-2015 (excluding 2010)
$30,000 per credited season 2016-2019
Maximum account value $350,000 $35,000 per credited season 2020
Maximum account value $450,000 for 2020 season and on
2020 CBA New Participant HRA
• The 2020 CBA extended coverage under the Gene Upshaw Health Reimbursement Account to vested former players who were not previously covered and not yet age 65 as of April 1, 2020.
• New Participants received $50,000 in Health Credits to an HRA to be used for reimbursement of covered medical expenses incurred by you and your dependents on and after April 1, 2020.
• For more information please call the HRA Customer Service Center at (800) 501-7633 or visit NFLPlayerBenefits.com
401(k) Savings Plan Players vested in the 401(k) have access at age 45 with penalty, or age 59½ with none 9
Second Career Savings Plan (401K)
Bert Pete Rozelle
NFL Player Retirement Plan
Three Credited Seasons needed to receive the Normal Retirement Benefit at age 55
2020 CBA Pension Expansion Players
• All players with 3 Credited Seasons, alive on March 15, 2020 now eligible
• Vested only under the Retirement Plan
• Each season has a Total Credit of $550
NFLPA Benefits Department
Call (800) 372-2000 or email Benefits@nflpa.com for detailed information on benefits or log-in to NFLPlayerBenefits.com
Find a Local Chapter
Check out NFLPA.com/former-players/formerplayer-chapters to network with former players in your area.
2020 CBA BENEFIT
PENSION & LEGACY TOTAL CREDITS PER CREDITED SEASON
Pension/Legacy Benefit Increases for all seasons
• Increased Total Credits (Pension + Legacy Benefit) to $550 Normal Retirement Benefit at age 55 for each Credited Season prior to 2012
• The 2020 CBA also expanded pension to all players with at least 3 Credited Seasons
Increased & Expanded Survivor Benefits for players not yet receiving Pension
• Initial benefit of $13,000 per month for 5 years (previously $9,000 for 4 years)
• $6,000 per month thereafter if dependent remains eligible
• Initial benefit now payable for 5 years to surviving parent(s) or sibling(s) if player has no surviving spouse or minor children
UPDATES TO BENEFIT
2020-2025 | $13,000/month for first sixty months, $6,000/month thereafter
2026-2030 | $15,000/month for first sixty months, $6,000/month thereafter
WIDOW’S & SURVIVING CHILDREN’S BENEFIT FIRST 48 MONTHS MINIMUM SPOUSE DEATH BENEFIT FIRST 60 MONTHS MINIMUM SPOUSE DEATH BENEFIT 2020-2025Neurocognitive Disability
• Available to Vested Inactive players, and Non-Vested players applying within 7 years of leaving the game
• Pension Expansion Players are not eligible for Neurocognitive Disability (Players who were not vested in the Pension Plan prior to the 2020 CBA with three Credited Seasons before 1993)
• Benefit provided for mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment
• Reimbursement for eligible healthcare expenses up to $10,000