By NFL Alumni Health (a subsidiary of the NFL Alumni Association) | Featuring Insights from the Football Players Health Study at Harvard | January 2026

Former players know the familiar post-game aches that linger long after the lights fade. But for many alumni, those aches raise bigger questions: What does this mean for my long-term health? Could I have prevented it? What can I do now?

The Football Players Health Study (FPHS) at Harvard University—the largest and most comprehensive research program focused on former NFL players—exists to answer exactly these questions. Approximately 5,000 former players have already participated, helping create a powerful, ever-evolving picture of life after football.

At NFL Alumni Health (NFLAH), our mission is simple: bring these insights directly to you, in clear, meaningful ways that support everyday decisions about health, mobility, and longevity.

A New Play: Connecting Research to Real Life

In August 2025, at the Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI) Conference in Las Vegas, NFLAH Senior Medical Advisor Dr. Jaime Garza, an NFL alumnus, presented on chronic pain, arthritis, and emerging biologic therapies. In the audience was Dr. Adam Tenforde, co-principal investigator of the FPHS.

“I was in the audience, eager to learn more about NFL Alumni Health, when it hit me—’Wait, that’s our data!'” —Dr. Adam Tenforde

Realizing the overlap between the study’s findings and NFLAH’s mission, the two connected, leading to an exciting new collaboration.

“NFL Alumni Health will help ensure FPHS discoveries reach the locker rooms, living rooms, and communities that need them most.” —Dr. Jaime Garza

This connection launches a steady stream of updates, practical guides, and opportunities for alumni to engage with world-class research designed by players, for players.

What Makes FPHS Different: Designed with Players at the Center

FPHS uses community-based participatory research, guided by advisory boards of former players and family members. This ensures:

• Research questions reflect real player experiences
• Findings address authentic needs
• Recommendations are practical and trustworthy

Dr. Rachel Grashow calls this the “science of trust.”

“Community suggestions fuel our top insights: when our research revealed that head injuries were linked to treatable conditions (like low testosterone, sleep apnea, and hypertension), we turned to players for advice. An advisor’s ‘playbook’ idea sparked our Health Checklist for provider screenings. Hearing that players are committed to checking off items—and feel better as a result—is pure motivation.”

This player-led approach also spotlights health equity, as noted by cardiologist Dr. Herman Taylor:

“The game’s intensity hits heart risks harder for Black players—we’re building strategies to intervene early, fostering resilience, that spans generations and communities.”

FPHS doesn’t focus on a single issue—it looks at how multiple health factors interact across a player’s life: joint health, heart function, cognition, sleep, mental wellness, mobility, and family well-being.

Leading experts—orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular, and pain-management specialists—translate this information into actionable guidance for former players.

Key Insights So Far—and What You Can Do Today

FPHS delivers “results-return” updates that are simple, transparent, and immediately useful. Participation and engagement far exceed typical research standards.

“The greatest gift from the Study has been education, which has eased fears for many former players—including me. Learning about the physical, emotional, and psychological issues that shape our daily lives can come from many sources. For instance, sleep apnea, hypertension, stress, and pain can all fuel emotional struggles, often leading us to fear CTE as the root cause—terrifying stuff. Most importantly, understanding these factors points us toward real solutions and, ultimately, the cure!” —John Sinnott, former offensive tackle & FPHS player advisor

These tools aren’t just theory; here’s how we’re making them part of your playbook.

NFLAH’s Commitment to You

NFL Alumni Health will continue bringing you:

• Regular newsletter features with up-to-date, digestible research highlights
• Specialty overviews on heart health, mental wellness, pain, and mobility
• Virtual & in-person events nationwide
• Direct engagement with Harvard researchers who study life after football

A Major Highlight:

Hearts and Minds: Optimizing Health for NFL Players and Their Families
FPHS Symposium at Super Bowl LX — February 5, 2026 | The Presidio Officers’ Club, San Francisco

Join fellow alumni and experts over breakfast and lunch for insights on:

• Chronic pain management and innovations in mobility
• Building cardiovascular resilience
• Safeguarding mental health and turning research into daily strategies

8:30am–1:30pm PST | Registration: Click here (Limited spots—RSVP early!)

Join the Movement: Your Legacy Shapes the Future

If you’re already part of FPHS, thank you. Your experience is paving the way for healthier futures. If not, joining is simple and confidential:

https://footballplayershealth.harvard.edu/join-us/

Empower your fellow players and yourself—complete a brief questionnaire today, and you’ll:

• Contribute to the largest study of former NFL players ever, driving real change for our health.
• Unlock eligibility for cutting-edge research to boost the well-being of players like you.
• Get rewarded with a $50 Amazon gift card just for your time.

“This is how we pass the torch—not just stories, but strategies that last.” —Max Lane, former player & advocate

Together, We’re Redefining Life After Football

The game shaped us. Now, united through research, community, and action, we’re shaping what comes next—one insight at a time.