By NFL Alumni Health (A Subsidiary of NFL Alumni)

Fellow alumni, we’ve given everything to the game—our strength, focus, and grit. But long after the final whistle, protecting our most valuable asset—our brains—becomes the ultimate play. That’s why NFL Alumni and NFL Alumni Health, alongside partners like the Alzheimer’s Association, are proud to support the fifth annual Black Men’s Brain Health (BMBH) Conference.

Led by Dr. Robert W. Turner II—former NFL player and Founder/Director of the Men’s Brain Health Initiative— this event is a game-changer for tackling brain health disparities in our NFL family.

Why This Work Matters

Black men have powered football for generations, making up ~70% of NFL players and nearly 60% of Division I athletes. Yet they face elevated risks of cognitive decline from repetitive head impacts, health inequities, and late diagnoses.

Consider these stark facts:

• Black men are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as white men.
• Often diagnosed later, with fewer resources to fight back.
• Underrepresented in research, slowing progress for all.

That’s why the BMBH Conference is essential—and why your involvement as an alumnus amplifies it. The event spotlights community voices, pushes inclusive research, and arms men with tools to protect their edge long-term.

“You can’t be empowered unless you have information and knowledge and know how to access it.”
— Dr. Robert W. Turner II

A Partnership Built on Purpose

This alliance stems from our shared drive to support retired players and their families. Post-NFL, Dr. Turner navigated identity shifts, injuries, and caregiving—sparking his mission for Black men’s resources. In its fifth year, this partnership aims to provide disease-related information and resources. It also works to educate participants about clinical trial opportunities, particularly in the Black community. Currently, Black Americans are underrepresented in Alzheimer’s clinical research. Without appropriate participation by Black Americans and other diverse groups in these trials, it is impossible to get a complete understanding of how racial and ethnic differences may affect the efficacy and safety of new treatments.

“If it weren’t for the support of the Alzheimer’s Association, we wouldn’t be able to be doing what we are doing right now.”
— Dr. Robert W. Turner II

The Alzheimer’s Association delivers top-tier expertise in dementia care, research, outreach, and support— fueling our joint efforts to close health gaps.

This year’s theme—“community engagement from the community’s perspective”—puts Black men at the helm of strategies and research built for them.

“Our partnership with NFL Alumni and NFL Alumni Health underscores the power of collaboration in addressing disparities head-on.”
— Edie Yau, Senior Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Engagement, Alzheimer’s Association

Retired Players Leading the Charge

As alumni, our stories cut through the noise—reducing stigma, sparking early action, and rallying brothers to own their brain health. Just look at Dr. Turner himself: After hanging up his cleats, he turned personal post-career challenges into a movement, proving routine vigilance can rewrite the playbook.

“Sponsoring the BMBH Conference is our way of giving back—protecting the minds that powered our legacies and building a healthier future for all.”
— Tracy Porter, Chairman, NFL Alumni

Tracy joins as a panelist on February 3, diving into early detection and proactive care. All alumni—regardless of background—are welcome to join and lift these voices.

Brain Health Champions Awards (February 4)

These awards celebrate trailblazers advancing brain health in Black communities via sports, engagement, and education. Among them is Sylvia Mackey, whose fierce advocacy as the wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey—after his own battle with frontotemporal dementia—helped launch the landmark John Mackey 88 Plan. Named for his jersey number, this NFL Player Care Foundation program reimburses up to $165,000 annually for eligible former players’ care related to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ALS, or Parkinson’s, turning her personal fight into systemic support for families league wide.

2026 Award Recipients – Sports Category

• Ken Harvey – NFL Alumni
• Tarik Glenn – NFL Alumni
• Sylvia Mackey – Advocate and wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey
• Al Smith – NFL Alumni

“The 88 Plan has been a lifeline for so many families facing dementia…early action and community support can change everything.”
— Sylvia Mackey

Notable Attendees

Expect heavy hitters: Tracy Porter, Ken Coffey (COO, NFLAA), Spencer Tillman, Aaron Taylor (CBS Sports), Pro Football Hall of Famer Will Shields, and more from our NFL Alumni network.

Why You Should Attend

For fellow alumni, this is more than an event—it’s your playbook. Open to everyone in our NFL family and beyond, it’s a space to gain insights while supporting equity for all.

• Tailored Insights: Sessions on football’s toll, aging, memory, detection, and cognitive wins.
• Community Power: Link up with brothers who get post-career realities.
• Actionable Tools: Science-backed steps to spot signs, cut risks, and lock in wellness.
• Equity in Action: Your voice boosts Black representation in research—shaping solutions for tomorrow.

Event Details

Location: Merritt College, Oakland, California
Dates: February 3–4, 2026
Format: Free, hybrid (in-person and online) —open to all NFL Alumni, families, and allies
Register: mensbrainhealth.org/2026-conference
Questions: [email protected]

Take Charge of Your Brain Health

Start with the Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain

Level up with the free Brain Health Habit Builder: Assess habits, craft a custom plan, track wins, and build routines that stick. Perfect for proactive plays or managing concerns.

24/7 Support: Alzheimer’s Association Helpline—800-272-3900

Your Next Play

NFL Alumni Health has your back beyond the field. Champion brain health for you, your family, and the next gen of gridiron greats.

Register today: Black Men’s Brain Health Conference 2026
The NFL Alumni Health Team

Share your story: Post with #BMBH2026 and tag @NFLAlumniHealth—we’re all in this huddle.