The first half of 2026 has brought meaningful milestones, new strategic alliances and opportunities to connect with retired NFL players across the country.
As PFRPA celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we reflect on some of the events and achievements that have shaped 2026 so far, while looking forward to the months ahead.
PFRPA at Super Bowl LX
In February, PFRPA attended Super Bowl LX Week in San Francisco. In collaboration with Hall of Fame Health and The Golden Heart Fund, PFRPA hosted a special Kickoff Event that brought together PFRPA members, Hall of Famers, retired NFL players and corporate partners for an evening of celebration to kick off the week.
For the third year in a row, PFRPA hosted the PFRPA Member Engagement Suite, where we welcomed retired NFL players and their families to relax; explore PFRPA’s benefits; and learn more about offerings from PFRPA's sponsors. PFRPA Board Member Ahman Green also hosted an episode of Ahman Green's Gamers Lounge podcast live from the Suite.
Throughout the week, PFRPA attended several partner events, including a panel hosted by The Football Players Health Study on physical and mental wellness for retired NFL players, as well as the NFL Legends Community Game Night, Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party and Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Cigars with the Stars. These events provided valuable opportunities to connect with retired NFL players and share information about PFRPA's benefits, programs and initiatives in a welcoming environment.
We're already getting excited for Super Bowl LXI Week, being held in Los Angeles in February 2027!
Celebrating 10 years of PFRPA
This year, PFRPA celebrates 10 years of developing health, welfare and educational programs that support retired NFL players.
Since its establishment in April 2016, the Pro Football Retired Players Association has experienced significant growth and evolution. To date, more than 10,200 retired players and more than 3,700 players’ spouses have enrolled in PFRPA insurance benefits.
In our April blog, we reflected on the progress the organization has made over the past decade. As we reach the midpoint of 2026, that milestone serves as a reminder of how far we've come. It also reinforces our continued commitment to delivering impactful benefits and programs while creating meaningful opportunities for those who built the game.
Inaugural Baltimore Ravens Legends Wellness Weekend
In May, PFRPA participated in the inaugural Baltimore Ravens Legends Wellness Weekend as part of the Player Support Groups Resources Panel. The session provided an opportunity for retired Ravens players to learn more about the resources available to them to support their well-being throughout life after football.
PFRPA is grateful for the invitation to be part of this special occasion, and we appreciate the opportunity to connect with retired players in person to learn more about the topics that matter most to them.
Merging Vets and Players Champions of Change Gala
PFRPA also had the opportunity to attend the Merging Vets and Players (MVP) Champions of Change Gala in May, held in Washington, D.C.
Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn and President Mark Clouse were both in attendance. They spoke about the parallels between athletes and military veterans as they transition out of their respective careers, highlighting the challenges they often face and the importance of ensuring access to ongoing support and resources.
PFRPA is grateful for its Strategic Alliance partnership with MVP and the work they do to assist the retired NFL player community as well as military veterans.
New Strategic Alliances
PFRPA is proud to have established two new Strategic Alliances earlier this year when we welcomed Ocean Conservancy and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to our network of partners.
U.S. Soccer Foundation
PFRPA partnered with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, which provide underserved communities with access to play spaces and soccer programs that promote youth well-being and development. Through the Foundation’s Yes, Coach! initiative, coaches receive training to become mentors who help young people build confidence; develop life skills; and succeed both on and off the field. PFRPA is proud to support Yes, Coach! and help connect youth with positive role models.
Ocean Conservancy
PFRPA also partnered with Ocean Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting the ocean through science, advocacy and community action. Through its Protect Where We Play initiative, Ocean Conservancy brings together leaders from sports, art and entertainment to raise awareness about challenges facing ocean health. These include plastic pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. PFRPA’s partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting the places that bring communities together.
Looking Ahead
The first half of the year has been filled with exciting progress, from engaging with PFRPA members; building new relationships; and celebrating 10 years of advancing our mission.
As we look ahead to the second half of 2026, PFRPA remains committed to supporting retired NFL players through meaningful benefits and programs, valuable partnerships as well as impactful opportunities for engagement.
Stay tuned for details about the 3rd Annual PFRPA Champions Banquet and other events that will further strengthen our support of retired NFL players!
