2023: A Year in Review

In the lead-up to the Holidays and with 2024 upon us, this time of the year provides an opportunity to reflect on 2023 and to look forward to the year ahead. This past year has been one of many successes for PFRPA, with further significant occasions forthcoming in the new year.

PFRPA is proud to continue its partnership with both MetLife and VSP Vision, to provide dental and vision care for eligible retired NFL players and their spouses. More than 10,200 retired players and 3,300 spouses are now enrolled in the PFRPA Dental Plan, and more than 4,900 retired players and 2,000 spouses have enrolled in the PFRPA Vision Plan. PFRPA encourages retired NFL players to inquire at any time throughout the year if they would like to enroll or seek more information.

In the past year, we expanded on our educational resources, like the PFRPA Social Media Workshop and PFRPA Membership 101 Webinar. We introduced the PFRPA Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Initiative to help retired NFL players and their eligible businesses navigate claiming COVID-19 payroll refunds. We also launched the PFRPA Shop, offering exclusive PFRPA-branded apparel for purchase. Broadening our reach, we cultivated Strategic Alliances with Merging Vets and Players (MVP), as well as Hall of Fame Health (HOFH), to foster resources beyond our organization.

For the first time since COVID, we were able to attend in-person events in 2023. Cocktails and Conversations in Chicago, hosted by Off the Field NFL Wives Association in collaboration with HOFH, provided a great opportunity to engage face-to-face with PFRPA’s members, their spouses, other retired NFL players and partner organizations. We look forward to additional events in 2024, kicking off with Super Bowl LVIII week in February.

In November, Darrell Thompson was formally appointed as PFRPA Board Chair. As a former running back for the Green Bay Packers, Thompson played five seasons in the NFL between 1990 and 1994. Since his retirement, he has not only been a Board member for PFRPA, but has been engaged in philanthropic endeavors and has conducted charity work for multiple organizations. He is also the current President and CEO of Bolder Options, a youth mentoring nonprofit organization based in his home state of Minnesota.

PFRPA is grateful for the support of its members and partners, and looks forward to continuing to work closely with them in 2024. It is through the ongoing support of our partners, in addition to individual donations to PFRPA, that we can continue to provide these important benefits, programs and initiatives to retired NFL players.

PFRPA Executive Director Joe Agbasi acknowledges that 2023 has been a year of many achievements for the organization, setting the stage for continued success in 2024. “It has been a busy and productive year, with a number of accomplishments to note. I look forward to another great year in 2024. From all of the team at PFRPA, we thank you for your support, and wish you a joyful holiday season!”