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NFL Player Care Foundation

@nflplayercarefoundation

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Improving the quality of life for retired @nfl players
🏈 100 employers in network
🏈 6,000+ player health screenings
🏈 $32.8M for research & aid

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Upward mobility is the mission I measure my work against 🏈

Every room I help build, I try and ask one thing: does this move someone closer to their next opportunity?

During the 2026 NFL PCF Employer Kickoff, the answer felt like yes. Legends were sharing their own stories. Employers were learning from each other. A few asking how to get involved.

The first step is done! Now comes the part where we all show up for what’s next. Updates to come!

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Sports became a trillion-dollar industry before it figured out how to run like one.

DJ Johnson and Rashaad Reynolds have seen that gap from almost every angle - as @nfl / @cfl players, sports agents, tech executives, and now founders of @sherpasportsai.

@deejack24x8 first saw the problem as a sports agent. 30+ clients. Contracts everywhere. Expense reports everywhere. His business was running on Google Docs and Excel.

Then he went into tech and saw the same problem at a much bigger scale, working with organizations like the @lakers, @broncos, @oregonfootball and @ohiostatefb.

Everybody had a bunch of data. Nobody knew how to properly organize and use it.

And despite all the talk about AI transforming sports, @dbl_r03 says the industry hasn’t fully bought in yet.

And yes, we asked the important question: Nick Saban or ChatGPT on fourth-and-one?”

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For most of my life, football wasn’t just something I did. It became a part of who I was.

When the game ends, you lose more than a jersey. You lose the locker room, the routine, the recognition, and the identity you spent most of your life building.

That transition can be incredibly difficult if you haven’t taken the time to figure out who you are outside of sports.

I had to recalibrate. I had to separate my identity from football and understand that my value wasn’t tied to a roster spot, a paycheck, or what I accomplished on game day.

Football will always be a part of my story, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story.

There is life after the game.

Give yourself permission to evolve. Give yourself permission to build something new.

Sometimes, the end of one chapter is the beginning of discovering who you were always meant to become.

#FormerAthlete #LifeAfterSport #AthleteMindset #NewPurpose

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You don’t need perfect words to make a difference. You need to notice, ask, and be willing to stay present.

I’m proud to share that I completed ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, sponsored by the Players Care Foundation.

This training gave me deeper insight into suicide prevention and suicide first aid—and strengthened my commitment to helping Steady Ground create spaces where people feel heard, supported, and connected to help.

Every life matters. I’m grateful to keep learning so we can better support people and communities—and continue uplifting all of humanity. 💚

Check on your people. Listen with care. Keep showing up.

#SuicidePrevention #ASIST #PlayersCareFoundation #NFLPA #SteadyGround MentalHealthMatters CommunityCare

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Third time is the charm amirite @nike , @lululemon , @betseyjohnson , and @retrobettyslc friends?!?

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“I needed help.”

Those three words have stayed with me since hearing the news about former NFL player Alphonso Smith Jr.

To the athlete who has learned to perform through pain, hide what hurts, and tell everyone, “I’m good”—you do not have to carry this alone.

If you cannot find your own hope tonight, borrow mine. Tell someone, “I’m not safe alone. Please stay with me.” Then make the call.

IMMEDIATE SUPPORT:

• Call or text 988
• Chat: 988Lifeline.org
• NFL Life Line: 800-506-0078
• Chat: NFLLifeLine.org

The NFL Life Line is free, confidential, independent, and available 24/7 for current and former NFL players, coaches, staff, and their families.

For free counseling available to current and former NFL players and their families:

• NFL Player Assistance and Counseling Program: 866-421-8628

For non-emergency psychiatric care:

• MentalHealthletics.org → “Schedule a Free Consultation”

If you are concerned about someone, ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows that asking does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior. It may open the door to an honest conversation—and help.

If an attempt is underway or there is immediate physical danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Please stay.

#MentalHealthletics #AthleteMentalHealth #NFLFamily #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone

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This Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, we’re reminded that meaningful connection and support matter every day.

You Are Not Alone.

The @nfl @nflpa @playerstrust and @nflplayercarefoundation offer assistance to our community 24/7.

Let’s look out for one another and check in.

Earned benefits include mental health resources designed to support former players' well-being, including confidential counseling, personalized care, and ongoing wellness support.

You are not alone. Help is available 24/7.
📞 NFL Life Line: 800-506-0078
📱 Call or Text: 988
🚨 Emergency: 911

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Leadership 4 Teens @ University of Nevada Teen Career Fair Highlights. Thanks to all our guest businesses & professionals. Shout out to Upward Bound Staff & Summer Program. Students Today Workforce Tomorrow #summerprogram #thankyou #workforce #workforcedevelopment #careeropportunities

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📌 To my brother and friend @LarryFitzgerald, Mannnnn congratulations on your @nfl HALL OF FAME INDUCTION!!!

More than deserved bro!

THANK YOU, seriously for all the years of inspiration and excellence!!!

#GLORY
#LarryFitzgerald
#NFLHallOfFame
#HallOfFame

📌 Larry Darnell Fitzgerald Jr. (born August 31, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2003. Fitzgerald was selected by the Cardinals with the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft. He is widely considered by fans, coaches and peers to be one of the greatest receivers in NFL history.

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Leadership 4 Teens @ University of Nevada Teen Career Fair Highlights. Thanks to JAG Nevada, City of Reno Fire Department & D’s Trucking School. Shout out to Upward Bound Staff & Summer Program. Students Today Workforce Tomorrow #summerprogram #thankyou #workforce #workforcedevelopment #careeropportunities

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💙🏈🧊NFL Legend Darrell Jackson Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington @bgcgw Football Skills Camp ended with a powerful reminder that football is about more than the game—it’s about brotherhood, unity, and showing up for one another.

To close an unforgettable day, NFL Legends came together for the Chris Johnson Challenge, as Shawn Springs, Ken Harvey, Josh Morgan, and Courtney Van Buren poured buckets of ice water over Eddie Mason, Chris Warren, Phil Bryant, and Fred Smoot in a moving show of support.

Surrounded by fellow NFL Legends, coaches, and hundreds of young athletes, this moment demonstrated the strength of the football family and the impact of standing together when it matters most.

Together, we inspire. Together, we support. Together, we make a difference.

🎥 @young_giftedphotographer

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NFL players across the league are taking to social media with messages and the hashtag #WorthTheCost, a movement pushing for artificial turf in league stadiums to be replaced with real grass in order to better protect players from the risk of injury.

This follows stadiums putting in and taking out real grass for World Cup games this summer across the country.

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