The National Football League (NFL) recently celebrated a record decline of concussions during the most recent playing season. They tabulated 182 incidents, marking an overall drop of 17% from the previous year. That’s the fewest concussions since the league started tracking this information in 2015. A recent survey paints a troubling picture. With numerous ex-players facing devastating economic crises and medical conditions, the effects of playing professional football have come under fire.
The ABC News survey underscores the tragic reality that many former NFL players face. Almost a quarter of players reported having overdue bills or being unable to afford basic needs. Additionally, nearly one-in-six (16%) ex-players said that they have lost their home to eviction or foreclosure since retirement. The financial strain is compounded by the fact that 17% of NFL players have declared personal bankruptcy since leaving the sport.
By income almost 40 percent of NFL players had a family income of $90,000 to $200,000 a year. On the flip side, the bottom 30% said they made more than $200k. These figures paint the picture that even if a small group of players find financial success, the majority are left with financial hardships after retirement.
Health problems curse a large segment of retired players. Nearly half of respondents reported having “great difficulty” concentrating, maintaining a clear mind, or making decisions some or all of the time. We know mental health concerns are prevalent. Less than 1 in 10 (8%) reported having felt depressed half the days or more in a year.
Additionally, the survey uncovers that 15% of players have received a dementia diagnosis from medical professionals. Approximately six in ten retired NFL players live in some type of disability. At $1,296 per month this rate is three times greater than men of comparable ages.
The dangers of tackle football are creating a heated discussion within the ranks of players themselves. Almost one-third said threats are greater than any possible benefits to kids prior to high school. One-quarter of players are in favor of banning tackle football at that level.
Though the findings from this study are unfortunate, the NFL has taken steps to ensure future changes continue to improve player health and safety. An NFL spokesperson stated, “While we’re encouraged by this progress, we know there is no finish line when it comes to the health and safety of players and are committed to find ways to continue to improve.”
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has made efforts in recent years to acknowledge the costs of football on their former players. An NFLPA spokesperson noted, “We recognize the toll that the game of football has taken on the bodies and minds of our former player population. Their post-career pain and challenges are well documented, and our union is committed to contributing useful resources and support.”
A lot of financial investments have been made to improve the players’ benefits immensely. “In the last CBA alone, the parties invested over $2 billion to further enhance player pension and health benefits and has resulted in significantly increased access to long-term care, counseling, and career transition programs,” said an NFL spokesperson.
Despite these issues, most former players report feeling a great sense of gratitude for their experiences in the game. Nine out of ten ex-NFL players indicated they would make the same decision to pursue professional football again if given the chance. As one former player summarized his experience, “Yes, football has been a blessing to me. When I think about it long term, football has been a curse as well. There are moments when I lament ever having played this precious game that provided me with everything. The game of football has provided me with everything. But it drained even more from me, in ways you can’t describe unless you played yourself.”
Not all departures from their profession are joyous. Another player lamented his physical limitations post-football: “I can’t play catch with my grandson. I can’t play the guitar or piano anymore. I can’t go hiking … I can’t do a f
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