Orlando Harmon
The NFL offers its players a range of benefits and resources, including health insurance. The league's commitment to players' long-term health and well-being includes providing physical and emotional wellness programs, such as peer-to-peer assistance, monetary grants, and counseling services. While the specifics of these insurance plans are outlined in the CBA between players and the NFL, it is known that the league has taken steps to ensure player welfare. For example, players cannot be released outright if injured, and former players can receive insurance coverage for a year or two after leaving the league. Additionally, the NFL Player Benefits program provides resources for active and former players, and insurance policies are also available to protect teams from financial losses due to player injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance coverage for injuries | Varies; some teams have insurance policies for players, but it's not mandatory |
| Coverage for concussions | Unlikely to be covered due to the high risk |
| Health insurance | Available to active and former players through the NFL's Total Wellness Program and the NFL Player Care Foundation |
| Contract insurance | Some teams insure player contracts, especially for highly-paid players |
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What You'll Learn
- NFL clubs can purchase insurance policies on player contracts
- NFL teams have health insurance for players
- The NFL offers a Total Wellness Program for players' physical and emotional wellness
- The NFL Player Care Foundation provides counselling services and monetary grants
- NFL clubs may insure against star player injuries
NFL clubs can purchase insurance policies on player contracts
The insurance language in a contract reads as follows:
> Club, in its sole discretion, shall be entitled to purchase a policy, or policies, of insurance naming Club as beneficiary and insuring up to [specified amount] of the specific type of salary being insured, as detailed below, in the event player is unable to perform the services required by his NFL player contract due to an NFL football-related or non-football-related injury or death resulting therefrom, as set forth under the terms and conditions of such policy or policies.
The player shall cooperate with the club with respect to applying for and underwriting such a policy or policies of insurance, including submitting to independent medical examinations if requested by the insurer(s). The insurer(s) shall be selected by the club, and the club shall, in its sole discretion, be entitled to procure substitute policies or replacement policies from time to time in the amount set forth. The club will reimburse the player for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with procuring the insurance.
A club's philosophy on insurance can be influenced by its salary cap staff's analysis, but it's ultimately determined by the owner, who has to be willing to spend their own money on the premium. The NFL doesn't require clubs to purchase these temporary total disability policies on player contracts, so it's up to each owner to value what has been called "a lose small, win big proposition."
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NFL teams have health insurance for players
The topic of insurance for NFL players has been a source of tension, with some arguing that players need and deserve better healthcare benefits and guaranteed contracts. While the NFL's new CBA provides a maximum of $4,000 monthly for disability, this is a decrease from the previous amount of $22,000. Additionally, NFL contracts are not fully guaranteed, leaving players in a precarious situation.
Unlike other major sports leagues in the United States, the NFL does not provide lifetime health benefits for its players. In comparison, MLB players are eligible for lifetime health benefits after playing a single day, and NBA players who complete four or more seasons receive healthcare until they are eligible for Medicare. The NHL also guarantees lifetime healthcare subsidies, despite generating less revenue than the NFL.
While it is not mandatory, it is estimated that around 75% of NFL teams have purchased insurance policies for their players at some point. These policies are often taken out on star players, with roughly half of NFL clubs insuring at least one player contract. However, the specific terms and exclusions of these policies can vary, and they may not cover all types of injuries or conditions, such as concussions.
The high cost of healthcare in the United States further emphasizes the need for adequate insurance coverage for NFL players. Medical procedures and treatments in the US can be significantly more expensive than in other countries, and the nature of the game puts players at constant risk of serious physical and neurological injuries. As a result, there is a growing sentiment that the NFL should provide better healthcare benefits and support for its players, both during their careers and after retirement.
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The NFL offers a Total Wellness Program for players' physical and emotional wellness
The NFL offers a Total Wellness Program to support players' physical and emotional wellness. This program is part of the league's commitment to players' long-term health and well-being, which extends beyond the football field and throughout every stage of their careers.
The Total Wellness Program provides active and former players with a range of resources and benefits, including peer-to-peer assistance, monetary grants, and counselling services. These services are designed to promote holistic well-being and are offered in addition to the standard health insurance coverage that players receive.
While the specifics of NFL players' health insurance coverage are not publicly available, it is understood that the league provides comprehensive benefits to its players. The health insurance coverage is likely to include provisions for both physical and mental health services, recognising the importance of supporting players' overall well-being.
In addition to the Total Wellness Program, the NFL also offers resources through the NFL Player Care Foundation, further demonstrating their commitment to player welfare. These resources are available to players at any point in their careers, recognising that support may be needed even after retirement from the league.
The NFL's approach to player wellness has evolved over time, with improvements made through collective bargaining between the league and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). This process ensures that players' needs are considered and addressed, with the league working to provide the best possible support for its athletes.
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The NFL Player Care Foundation provides counselling services and monetary grants
The NFL Player Care Foundation (PCF) provides a range of services and support for current and former NFL players, including counselling services and monetary grants.
The PCF places great emphasis on the mental health and overall well-being of NFL players, offering confidential counselling and clinical care to players, coaches, and their families. Dr Tricia Bent-Goodley, Ph.D., LICSW, LCSW-C, for example, serves as Team Clinician for the Baltimore Ravens, providing mental health support to the team. The PCF also offers a Healthy Body and Mind screening and assessment program, which focuses on the prevention and early detection of health issues, particularly cardiovascular, prostate, and mental health. These screenings are provided free of charge, although players are responsible for their travel costs.
In addition to health and wellness initiatives, the PCF offers financial assistance through charitable grants. These grants are funded by the NFL Foundation, as well as contributions from various NFL clubs and alliance members. The grants are intended to support former NFL players and their families who are facing financial difficulties. PCF grant requests are evaluated by individuals like Andrew, who ensure that grant-making is ethical, transparent, and compliant with the Foundation's bylaws.
The PCF also facilitates employment opportunities for former players, offering a centralized platform where they can browse, apply, and interview for positions with notable employers, including well-known companies and NFL clubs. This initiative helps retired players transition into new careers and maintain financial stability.
Overall, the NFL Player Care Foundation demonstrates a commitment to the holistic well-being of NFL players, both during and after their playing careers, by offering a range of services, from counselling and health screenings to financial grants and employment assistance. These initiatives reflect a recognition of the unique challenges and pressures faced by those in the NFL community.
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NFL clubs may insure against star player injuries
NFL clubs can insure themselves against star player injuries, and this has become a common practice. While clubs are not required to disclose their insurance policies, it is estimated that around 75% of teams have purchased insurance policies in their history, with roughly half of NFL clubs currently holding a policy on at least one player.
The decision to insure players is often influenced by the player's contract value. Many clubs choose to insure only their most expensive players, as a way to protect themselves financially in the event of an injury that could render the player unable to perform. This insurance is a form of risk management for clubs, as it allows them to recover some of the money lost due to the player's absence.
For example, the Green Bay Packers had an insurance policy on Aaron Rodgers, who was traded to the Jets. When Rodgers suffered an injury, the Jets lost $37 million as they did not have a relationship with the broker who sold the insurance policy to the Packers. Similarly, the Dolphins have an insurance policy on Tua Tagovailoa, which includes an exclusion for concussions. If Tagovailoa suffers a concussion, the Dolphins will not be able to claim the $49.3 million insured on his contract.
While insuring players can provide financial protection for clubs, it has also become a source of tension in the NFL. Some clubs view insurance as a way to create additional cap space, which can be advantageous for team-building. However, the league may seek to exert more control over insurance practices, potentially leading to changes in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that governs player contracts and protections.
Ultimately, the decision to insure star players is a strategic one for NFL clubs, balancing the need for financial protection with the potential for increased flexibility in salary cap management.
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Frequently asked questions
NFL teams can purchase insurance policies for their players, and around 75% of teams have done so in their history. These policies are often taken out for star players with high-value contracts, and they can be used to protect teams financially if a player is injured and misses games.
If an NFL player is injured, they cannot be released outright. The team must either keep them on the roster or negotiate an injury settlement. NFL players are offered access to the NFL's Total Wellness Program and the NFL Player Care Foundation, which provide resources for physical and emotional wellness, including peer-to-peer assistance, monetary grants, and counseling services.
Former NFL players may still have access to health insurance and other benefits for a year or two after leaving the league. Specific benefits depend on factors such as whether the player was vested or non-vested during their career.
No, it is not a requirement for NFL teams to insure their players. Some teams choose not to purchase insurance policies, and it is more common for teams to insure their most valuable players or those with high-value contracts.
