Former NFL players are more likely to reach retirement age suffering from a range of concerning health problems – including chronic pain, depression, anxiety and cognitive decline – than the average American man.
And yet nine out of 10 ex-professionals would do it all over again. That is according to a landmark new survey by ESPN and KFF, who quizzed 546 former NFL stars who played during the 1988 season.
The ex-pros, who had an average age of 62, answered 45 questions about their day-to-day lives since retiring from football. It claims to be ‘the largest independent study of its kind.’
Among the most striking findings were that nearly half of the ex-NFL players claimed to have ‘serious difficulty’ with their memory, concentration and decision making.
Six in 10, meanwhile, reported having a disability, while three quarters admitted to living with pain that impacted their work and personal activity.
Almost one in six players (15 percent) said they had been diagnosed with dementia. Another study reportedly found that fewer than 4 percent of men aged 65 and above have had the same diagnosis.
Ex-NFL stars are more likely to reach retirement age suffering from a range of health problems than the average American man (Pictured: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell)
ESPN and KFF quizzed 546 former NFL stars who played during the 1988 season (It is not clear if any of those pictured have been affected)
Around half of the ex-players said they had felt depressed in the past year – double the typical rate of men aged 55-75.
There was a concerning racial disparity in the results, too, with ESPN reporting that black ex-players suffered more with ‘physical and mental ailments’. They also scored worse when it came to income and their dealings with law enforcement.
Despite the results, nine out of 10 ex-players said they would choose to play in the NFL again.
The questions covered topics including the number of surgeries an ex-player has had, their ability to accomplish certain tasks, marriage, income and interactions with police.
Sixteen percent of ex-players admitted that since retiring, they had lost their home to eviction or foreclosure. Nearly one in five had declared bankruptcy, while around a quarter currently have debts they haven’t paid – or they can’t pay.
Nearly a quarter of white respondents (23 percent) and 5 percent of black respondents admitted to using anabolic steroids, while around 40 percent of ex-players said they have suffered from problems including erectile dysfunction, low testosterone or fertility issues.
The league has introduced significant changes over recent years to try and reduce head injuries in particular. Last season saw the fewest number of reported concussions (182) since the NFL began tracking data in 2015.
In a statement to ESPN, the NFL said they ‘know there is no finish line when it comes to the health and safety of players and are committed to find ways to continue to improve.’
