Summary:
KFF and ESPN collaborated on a groundbreaking survey of 546 former NFL players from the 1988 season, revealing significant insights into the long-term health challenges and life impacts of professional football. At an average age of 62, 75% of respondents reported negative physical health effects, and 33% cited mental health struggles, with Black players disproportionately affected. Despite these issues, 90% said they would choose to play again, citing positive impacts on their finances, careers, and relationships. The study highlights the duality of football’s rewards and risks, raising critical questions about player welfare and racial disparities in post-career health.
What This Means for You:
- Understand the risks: If you or a loved one are considering a career in professional sports, weigh the long-term health impacts against the potential benefits.
- Advocate for player health: Support initiatives and policies aimed at improving player safety and post-career healthcare, particularly for marginalized groups.
- Learn from history: Use this data to inform discussions about the evolving nature of sports, safety measures, and the ethical responsibilities of leagues and organizations.
- Future outlook: Expect increased scrutiny on player health and safety, with potential reforms in sports policies and compensation for long-term injuries.
Original Post:
KFF and ESPN today jointly released a first-of-its-kind, in-depth polling and reporting project that sheds new light on the health issues and other challenges facing NFL players after they leave the game.
The KFF/ESPN Survey of 1988 NFL Players draws on a novel survey of 546 respondents who were among the 1,532 players from the 1988 season.
Now, at an average age of 62, large majorities of these former NFL players say pro football was bad for their health, but 90 percent say they would choose to play again. Most report that football had positive benefits to their life and relationships despite the negative health effects. The survey also uncovered stark racial disparities, with Black players much more likely than White players to report serious health problems after football.
The survey focused on players from the 1988 season after the widow of former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Daren Gilbert reached out to ESPN about the struggles faced by her late husband and his teammates.
As part of the project, KFF’s polling experts and ESPN reporters jointly designed and analyzed the survey. ESPN today published a package of comprehensive stories and video on the data, along with a lengthy narrative on the fates of Daren Gilbert and his Saints teammates. KFF published a comprehensive report detailing the survey’s findings.
“For the first time, we are able to truly gauge whether playing one of the most physical sports at the highest level is worth it,” said Chris Buckle, ESPN Vice President, Investigative Journalism. “The survey responses are incredibly enlightening. Hearing such honest stories from players and their families about all the good and bad that comes alongside a pro football player’s life is especially moving, and how players view the next generation of would-be players from their families is fascinating.”
“I was at the game with my dad in 1978 when the late Darryl Stingley of the New England Patriots was paralyzed for life after a hit to the head over the middle,” KFF President and CEO Drew Altman said. “The times have changed and the game may be safer today in some ways, but players now in their 60s tell us that living the pro football dream was worth whatever health and suffering has followed for them.”
Among the survey’s many findings, about three-quarters of players from the 1988 season say the game has negatively affected their physical health, and one-third say it has had a negative impact on their mental health. At the same time, about 9 in 10 say playing in the NFL has had a positive impact on their lives in general. Large majorities say it was a boon for their finances, later career opportunities, and relationships with family and friends. Ninety percent say they would make the choice to play again.
About the Survey:
Designed and analyzed by public opinion researchers at KFF in collaboration with reporters at ESPN, the KFF/ESPN Survey of 1988 NFL Players was conducted October 17 – November 30, 2024, online and by telephone, among a representative sample of 546 former NFL players who played at least one game in the 1988 season. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for the full sample. For results based on other subgroups of players, the margin of sampling error may be higher.
Extra Information:
NFL Player Health & Safety – Explore the NFL’s initiatives to improve player safety and health outcomes.
CDC Traumatic Brain Injury Resources – Access resources on understanding and managing traumatic brain injuries, a critical issue for athletes.
NFL Players Association – Learn about the union’s efforts to support players’ rights, health, and post-career transitions.
People Also Ask About:
- What are the long-term health effects of playing in the NFL? – Many players report chronic pain, cognitive decline, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
- How do NFL players manage post-career health challenges? – Players often rely on medical care, support networks, and programs offered by the NFL and NFLPA.
- Why are Black NFL players more affected by health issues? – The survey suggests systemic disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
- Would players still choose to play despite health risks? – 90% of surveyed players said they would make the same choice again.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a sports medicine specialist, notes, “This survey underscores the need for proactive health measures and equitable care for athletes, especially as they age. While the benefits of a football career are undeniable, the long-term costs demand greater attention from leagues, policymakers, and healthcare providers.”
Key Terms:
- long-term health effects of NFL players
- NFL career risks and rewards
- racial disparities in athlete health
- post-career NFL player challenges
- NFL player safety and wellness initiatives
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