2020 Annual Report

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Men of The Trust,

This past year has tested even the strongest amongst us. The trials and tribulations experienced and witnessed by so many remind us how critical it is to embrace our humanity. Yet, in the midst of pain, struggle and uncertainty I remain humbled and hopeful for the future.

During this unprecedented time, The Trust has been uniquely prepared to effectively navigate challenges and remains steadfast in our commitment to the men we serve. While 2020 was a season of social distancing, The Trust embarked upon a tremendously successful campaign of staying socially connected. We offered new and innovative approaches to delivering world class customer service by providing opportunities to virtually engage, hear from one another and share thoughts and feelings surrounding this critical moment in history.

Kelly Mehrtens

This Annual Report is a testament to where we have been and where we hope to be in the future. Our overall outcomes to date reflect the strength of The Trust brand as an established source of serving players as they transition from the NFL. I continue to be inspired by our dedicated staff, Captains and Partners who personify a servant heart and exemplify our mission of supporting NFL players as they live their purpose beyond football.

Your inspirational stories and dedication to making a difference in your communities, occupations and families shows your resiliency, leadership and character. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to The Trust. It is because of you I am confident in our bright future and that the best is yet to come. Our work for you has, and will, never cease.

The Trust was made for players, by players. Discussions with active and former players and the NFLPA launched a movement to provide customized earned benefits to the brotherhood of Trust-eligible former NFL players. We started with a fundamental question: Why do some former players transition more successfully than others after the NFL? Our goal is to provide the answer, and to ensure that every Trust-eligible former NFL player achieves success after football.

THE TRUST’S HISTORY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Board of Trustees for the Former Player Benefits Trust Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA Trust)

NFLPA-Appointed Trustees

DeMaurice F. Smith (proxy, Teri Smith)

J.C. Tretter

Nolan Harrison III

NFL Management Council-Appointed Trustees

Larry Ferazani

Belinda Lerner

Kimberly Fields

Board of Trustees for the Labor-Management Cooperation Committee Trust (LMCC Trust)

NFLPA-Appointed Trustees

DeMaurice F. Smith (proxy, Teri Smith)

J.C. Tretter

Nolan Harrison III

Rashean Mathis

NFL Management Council-Appointed Trustees

Larry Ferazani

Belinda Lerner

Kimberly Fields

Patrick Reynolds

PURPOSE BEYOND FOOTBALL.

THE TRUST’S MISSION IS TO SUPPORT NFL PLAYERS AS THEY LIVE THEIR PURPOSE BEYOND FOOTBALL. THE TRUST’S MISSION

THE TRUST’S PILLARS

The Trust services address three key areas of life — PERSONAL AND BUSINESS

DEVELOPMENT , HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCES , COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

OPPORTUNITIES — and through the strength of these Pillars, we provide support and a trusted team dedicated to helping our Members win in their next season.

PERSONAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Career | Education | Entrepreneurship | Finance

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

RESOURCES

Brain & Body | Mental Health | Nutrition & Fitness

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

OPPORTUNITIES

Events | Mobile Community | Player Spotlights

PERSONAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

“I’VE BEEN USING FINANCIAL FINESSE FOR THE LAST FOUR OR FIVE YEARS. THEY ARE NOT FINANCIAL PLANNERS, BUT REALLY FINANCIAL EDUCATORS. JUST LIKE PHYSICAL HEALTH, JUST LIKE EMOTIONAL OR MENTAL HEALTH, YOU KNOW, THE THINGS WE THINK ABOUT IS THIS ASPECT OF MEN AND HOW ARE YOU DOING FINANCIALLY.” - KEVIN KOWALSKI

The Trust offers educational resources and opportunities to further enhance professional development in the form of Career, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Finance services. These tailored services provide a strong foundation for a successful post-NFL career by giving former players access to personalized financial coaching, continuing education support, entrepreneurial

PARTNERS: AthLife, Financial Finesse, ManpowerGroup education as well as job search and career services.

“BEING ABLE TO GO TO THERAPY TO GET HELP WITH HOW I WAS FEELING BEING OUT OF FOOTBALL, THE TRANSITION, ETC. THE THERAPY LED ME TO THINKING ABOUT YOGA PROGRAMMING, AND GETTING CERTIFIED TO TEACH. AND THAT TRANSFORMED MY WHOLE LIFE.” -

A former player’s health serves as the starting point for a successful quality of life after football. Through collaboration with premiere training facilities and physical therapy sites across the county, former players receive access to health memberships and tailor-made experiences to help support physical health. Healthy eating habits and nutritional support are further encouraged through The Trust’s partnership with an industry leader in this space.

SEAN CATTOUSE

In addition, an integrated and individually tailored assessment offered by world-class medical institutions provide former players of The Trust an in-depth evaluation of their overall health and encourages ownership interest in their post-career wellness. Former players also have access to prominent inpatient treatment programs for those struggling with alcohol and substance use disorders and co-occurring mental illnesses as well as an expansive supplemental benefit that provides outpatient psychiatry, therapy, and counseling services, in their home community.

PARTNERS: Cleveland Clinic, Eisenhower Center, EXOS, Lakeview Health, Mass General, Tulane, UNC,WW, YMCA

HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCES

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES

“ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS GUYS MISS FROM PLAYING THE GAME IS THE LOCKER ROOM COMPONENT, THE BROTHERHOOD.” - MAX LANE

The importance of community and connection between former players is paramount to life after the game and creates an organic support system as part of the transition. Through VIP in-person, digital events and engagement opportunities, The Trust supports an ecosystem for former players to interact with their peers more effortlessly, as well as provide information about

their benefits and other engaging content.

TRUST SPOTLIGHT: JAMIE WILLIAMS

Jamie Williams is a former TE who played 12 seasons in the NFL. A lifelong learner and a leader in local and international communities, Jamie has used his upbringing, academic experiences, and career to redefine the notion that a black man can only be measured by the sport he plays.

Following his retirement from the NFL, Jamie received a Doctorate of Education in Organization and Leadership. While working on his dissertation, he had the opportunity to also write, act and work with Oliver Stone in developing the quintessential pro football film, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. As an actor, he played Shark’s tight end, number 83. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY gave Jamie the opportunity to offer a realistic narrative of black men by representing the multiplicity and dynamic of their journeys not often represented in popular films.

“. . . That’s why I pushed Oliver to make the co-protagonist about the black quarterback, who offers up a new type of leadership, culturally”. Having played with a number of black quarterbacks, including Hall of Famer Warren Moon, Jamie says “There’s no question today that these same leadership qualities are both color and gender-blind and should be highly sought in business, education and politics”.

Black male figures in Jamie’s life whispered universal truths into his ear he still adheres to today. “I believe everyone needs those types of figures in their life, because they represent the wise wizard everyone needs to complete a tough journey.” A longtime mentor helped him realize that he was actually an Artist and Athlete.

Jamie is the CEO and President of TEAM81 Inc. He created a life for himself “beyond social limitations” through reconnecting back to his roots and tapping into his Midwest ideology of being a self-starter.

“I believe everyone needs those types of figures in their life, because they represent the wise wizard everyone needs to complete a tough journey.”

TRUST SPOTLIGHT: ISAIAH KACYVENSKI

Isaiah Kacyvenski is a former linebacker who played eight years in the NFL. Isaiah discusses finding his passion for investing and entrepreneurship, diving headfirst into the business world, and co-founding a venture capital investment fund called Will Ventures.

“For me, I had a background that I think is similar for a lot of guys in the league. I grew up in poverty, was homeless for parts of my childhood. And I realized early on that sports and academics were going to be my way out.”

“…There are some amazing qualities as a player you have that can translate over and accelerate that learning curve. It kind of came together for me, the question of, ‘how to I accelerate my learning so that I can catch up to everyone else, and put myself in position to move beyond that as well?’”

Wise words from a mentor helped set Kacyvenski on a path to entrepreneurship.

“I knew I wanted to be a venture capitalist, an investor eventually. I love working with entrepreneurs, and I got a great piece of advice from a world renowned investor who had been a mentor as I transitioned out of business school.

He said, “my best piece of advice — if you want to be an investor, be an entrepreneur first. You have to understand what it’s like to stand in those shoes, have your back against the wall, pull a team together and take that concept all the way to commercialization.”

“I had always had my eye on feeding this level of curiosity and being involved in things in the offseason. You have tons of time, and I wanted to make good use of it.”.

YEAR IN REVIEW

Despite the hardships over this past year, The Trust executed upon several notable achievements. The challenges presented throughout 2020 did not deter us from ensuring our former players were supported during this turbulent time. Despite uncertainty, The Trust pivoted, persevered, and delivered quality content and services.

WELLNESS BOX DISTRIBUTION SUMMER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE VIRTUAL

Extended care packages of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in the wake of COVID-19, to former players.

The package received a strong social media presence resulting in 100+ “unboxing” posts on various platforms.

Facilitated in a Membership Drive, ensuring former players are fully aware of The Trust’s services and resources

All Trust staff members and Captains participated in the outreach effort, with 508 players contacted over a 6-week span.

CAREER FEST ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Utilized a virtual platform for second annual Career Fest.

122 former players attended the event.

Allowed The Trust to highlight its expanded partnership with ManpowerGroup.

Expanded our partnership with ManpowerGroup to provide guidance in the field of entrepreneurship.

45 former players joined the year-long, cohort-based program.

“We have to learn another ‘playbook,’ but if there are any questions, all you have to do is ask. It’s all about having the help around you that’s necessary to succeed. Use all the resources you have available. I’m thankful The Trust was there for me after I was done playing football.” - Andy

WW (FORMERLY WEIGHT WATCHERS) VIRTUAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

Pivoted to offer a robust platform of virtual experiences in lieu of inperson opportunities.

28 virtual events were completed. Engaged 545 former players.

Entered a partnership with WW (formerly Weight Watchers) to provide support, digital access and exclusive coaching to former players along with their spouse or domestic partner.

Launched redesigned www.playerstrust.com in December 2020.

Soft launched a mobile app in October 2020, which was downloaded by a select group of 100 users to test prior to a full-scale launch.

Mulumba

VIRBELA: VIRTUAL WORLD PLATFORM

Invested in a virtual world platform to take The Trust into the future with great possibility for virtual events and online connection opportunities for former players.

YEAR IN PHOTOS

FACTS & FIGURES

68%

Renewal rate for YMCA memberships.

5,258

Total number of former players who have enrolled in The Trust.

89%

Percentage of former players in need of follow-up with PCP or specialist.

31.7

30

AVERAGE ATTENDEES

336%

Number of players who participated in each financial webinar. Increase in average number of participants at each Breakfast Club.

266

AVERAGE PARTICIPANTS PER EVENTS

22 VIRTUAL EVENTS / WEBINARS

Number of players who trained and participated in FAP.

5.4% 19.7% 33.8%

TWITTER INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN

Increases in social media followers.

2,945

Number of former players who received a COVID-19 Wellness Box. (Containing masks, sanitizer, wipes,and touchless keys.)

who Wellness sanitizer, keys.)

53% HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCES

6%

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES

24% PERSONAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

10%

ADMIN EXPENSES

7%

OPERATING EXPENSES

The Trust is a collectively bargained benefit. In 2011, the NFLPA and NFL reached a deal on a 10-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Throughout the 2011 collective bargaining process active NFL players were committed to setting aside resources for professional programs and support to help former NFL players succeed in their careers beyond football. The NFLPA and related stakeholders implemented that important vision through the creation of The Trust. Again, in March of 2020, another 10-year CBA took effect as a result of the same passion and commitment to a wellness ecosystem for former NFL player wellness witnessed 10 years prior. Article 12, Section 5 of the 2020 CBA allocates

FINANCES

PARTNERS

ATHLIFE

Assists former players with continuing education and career development for careers in the sports industry.

CLEVELAND CLINIC

Develops a collaborative “game plan” to improve and maintain former players’ overall health and wellness.

EISENHOWER CENTER

Ensures former players substance abuse help in a supportive environment developed for their needs.

MANPOWERGROUP Supports Trust Members along every step of the job search and career development process.

MASS GENERAL

Provides world-class, evidence-based medical care in order to help develop and maintain a health brain and body.

TULANE

The Professional Athlete Care Team (PACT) takes pride in their services to support former players’ health and safety both on and off the field.

EXOS Provides former players everything they need to get back on track with nutrition and fitness.

FINANCIAL FINESSE

Delivers former players and their families personalized financial guidance at no cost.

LAKEVIEW HEALTH

In treating addiction, Lakeview Health addresses healing of former players’ mind, body, and spirit.

UNC Provides comprehensive evaluations of former players’ cognitive, mental, and physical functioning.

YMCA

Focuses on fitness with a free individual or household membership.

WW The Trust and Weight Watchers

Reimagined teamed up to help Trust Members and their families reach their wellness goals.

CAPTAINS & FELLOWS

CHARLIE BATCH Senior Captain Captain

Captain Fellow Fellow

Captain Captain

Captain Captain

KIRK MORRISON

CHRIS CARTER

CLIFF CROSBY

OMAR GAITHER

DAVID GILREATH

DEMETRIC EVANS

DUANE STARKS

DEON GRANT

DIANA ALDRICH

MYKAL JOHNSON

JUSTIN RICKS

Program Assistant Program Manager Program Specialist

Service Specialist

BRYSON

TRAVIS BURNS

STEPHEN CHEEK

NATASHA CRISS

LASHEA DAVIS-WILLIAMS

DANIELLE FOREMAN

CAM JOHNSON

Program Manager Member Services Assistant Program Manager Program Manager Senior Program Manager Program Specialist

NICOLE JORDAN

KELLY MEHRTENS

ZACH MINK

HANNIBAL NAVIES

Program Manager Executive Director Digital Engagement Specialist Director, Engagement & Outreach

MAULIES PETTAWAY JR.

SHANYA RICHBURG

Program Manager Program Assistant

MIRITTE STEINBERG

QIANA THOMAS

CHERYL TURNER

KRYSTAL WOODS

LYDIA ZAKHARI

ANDREW ZINK

Program Manager Service Director Program Specialist Legal Counsel Operations Manager Sr. Manager, Events & Programming