In April 2016, the Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA) began its work to develop health, welfare and educational programs for retired NFL players. PFRPA is the first independent and court-established retired NFL player organization whose creation was largely led by Hall of Famer Jim Brown, the late civil rights activist and NFL icon, alongside Hall of Famer and PFRPA Board President Ron Mix.
This month marks PFRPA’s 10-year anniversary, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on the progress the organization has made so far, as well as reinforce future plans to continue delivering impactful programs, benefits and initiatives for those who built the game.
The PFRPA Greater Good Fund
The PFRPA Greater Good Fund, the Association’s 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, was established to support current and future benefits and programs for retired NFL players. PFRPA strives daily to ensure that the thousands of players we serve have access to and are aware of the resources available to them.
Donations to the PFRPA Greater Good Fund are an invaluable resource that go directly towards the health and well-being of retired NFL players.
Dental and Vision Coverage for Retired NFL Players and Spouses
PFRPA’s signature benefits for retired NFL players, the PFRPA Dental and Vision Plans, were established in the early years of the organization. In 2017, PFRPA began notifying and enrolling members in the first-ever dental insurance program for its members, NFL players who effectively retired by July 2013. From the beginning, the PFRPA Dental Plan offered unprecedented coverage for retired NFL players, and in 2018, the coverage extended to members’ spouses. Last year, PFRPA enhanced the PFRPA Dental Plan further by partnering with Delta Dental, the largest dental network in the nation.
In 2019, the PFRPA Vision Plan, administered by VSP Vision Care, became available for PFRPA’s members. The benefit has made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of retired NFL players and their spouses, providing access to premium vision coverage through the VSP Choice network, while reinforcing PFRPA’s commitment to long-term health and wellness for retired NFL players.
In 2024, PFRPA celebrated the five-year anniversary of the PFRPA Vision Plan. Today, there are more than 5,600 retired NFL players and 2,800 retired players’ spouses enrolled in the Plan.
PFRPA’s Programs and Initiatives
In 2020, PFPRA made a significant step forward by expanding membership eligibility requirements beyond players who retired by July 2013. While PFRPA continued to offer the PFRPA Dental and Vision Plans to the original membership group, the organization expanded its programs and initiatives to serve all retired NFL players. Some of the programs and initiatives offered by PFRPA include Gridiron Gaming, the PFRPA Social Media Workshop, NILTV and Mentorship Opportunities through its partnership with MENTOR.
In 2019, PFRPA launched Gridiron Gaming by hosting a full-scale, live gaming tournament in Dallas, Texas. Gridiron Gaming is PFRPA’s esports program that provides retired NFL players an opportunity to compete again, while giving fans a chance to engage with their NFL heroes. The tournaments bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports through interactive, family-friendly experiences for people of diverse ages and backgrounds, creating a unique community where all can connect, learn and compete.
In 2021, the PFRPA Social Media Workshop, a recurring training that takes place every other month, became available for PFRPA members. PFRPA partnered with Creatitive, an Arizona-based sports digital branding and marketing agency, to design and deliver the interactive workshop for retired NFL players who want to engage and grow their social media influence for personal brands, businesses or organizations.
In 2024, PFRPA partnered with NILTV to enable the retired NFL player community to get involved with content creation. NILTV is a media network and on-demand content creation platform that creates and distributes content in partnership with athletes. Retired NFL players can create and monetize their own content; build and grow their brand; and engage with fans in a meaningful way.
PFRPA also partnered with MENTOR in 2024 to provide PFRPA members and their families with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth by becoming mentors in their local communities or through nationwide e-mentoring opportunities.
Bringing PFRPA’s Presence to Super Bowl Week
PFPRA has long had a presence during Super Bowl week, but since 2024, the organization has taken membership engagement to a new level. Starting with Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, PFRPA has hosted the PFRPA Member Engagement Suite, a space available for retired NFL players and their families to relax in a comfortable setting; mingle with fellow retired players; and learn more about the benefits and programs available to them. Each year, PFRPA also takes pride in attending and supporting events hosted by partners throughout the week and engaging with media to drive further awareness for the organization.
To launch Super Bowl LX week this year, PFRPA, in collaboration with Hall of Fame Health and The Golden Heart Fund, hosted a special Kickoff Event that brought together PFRPA members, Hall of Famers, retired NFL players, corporate partners and strategic alliances for an evening of connection and celebration. It was a great way to start the week in San Francisco, and we look forward to continuing to evolve PFRPA’s presence during Super Bowl week in the future.
The PFRPA Champions Banquet
The inaugural PFRPA Champions Luncheon took place on June 12, 2024, at Hotel Northland in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The event started an annual tradition to celebrate retired NFL players who are making a positive impact, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions to the former player community. As part of this fundraising event, the PFRPA Champions Award is presented to recipients in recognition and appreciation of their efforts as champions for the communities they serve.
Last year, the PFRPA Champions Banquet took place at the Directors Club at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. We look forward to sharing more details soon as we look ahead to our third annual banquet in 2026!
Looking Ahead
PFRPA remains committed to expanding opportunities; strengthening benefits; and building meaningful connections for the benefit of retired NFL players and their families. Through this continued focus, PFRPA endeavors to create a lasting impact and strengthen the retired NFL player community for years to come.
PFRPA welcomes the opportunity for new partners to become part of our journey! Contact info@pfrpa.com to learn more.
