NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
SUMMARY OF MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS
This notice summarizes recent changes to the NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan
(“Disability Plan”). As before, Disability Plan benefits are not vested, and may be revised or
terminated in the future.
1. Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) Offset
Effective January 1, 2024 through and including March 2031, most Players receiving Inactive
A total and permanent disability (“T&P”) benefits from the Disability Plan will be subject to
an SSDI Offset. Players who are age 65 or older or are 88 Eligible Players under the 88 Plan
are exempt from the SSDI Offset.
In general, a Player who is subject to the SSDI Offset will have his monthly Inactive A T&P
benefit from the Disability Plan reduced in each month of the calendar year by the amount of
the monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits he received in January of the
prior calendar year, less governmental insurance premiums, if any. If the Player was not
receiving SSDI benefits in January of the prior year, the reduction will equal the amount of
the SSDI benefit as of the first month for which it is paid.
It will be the responsibility of any Player receiving Inactive A T&P benefits to inform the Plan
of the amount of his SSDI benefits and the months for which they are paid. If the Plan is
aware the Player is receiving SSDI benefits but is not aware of the applicable amount of the
SSDI Offset, the SSDI Offset will be $3,000 per month until the Player provides satisfactory
evidence of his actual SSDI benefit. Upon receipt of such evidence, the Player’s T&P benefits
will be adjusted to reflect the amount of any underpayments or overpayments for prior
months.
If a Player who is subject to the SSDI Offset fails to inform the Plan that he receives SSDI
benefits, the Plan will suspend his Inactive A T&P benefits upon learning that he is receiving
SSDI benefits. The suspension will remain in force until (1) the Player submits documentation
from the Social Security Administration sufficient to allow the Plan to determine the amount
of the SSDI Offset for each past year in which the Player was subject to the SSDI Offset, and
(2) the Plan has recouped all past overpayments caused by the failure to apply the SSDI Offset.
The above rules for the SSDI Offset apply regardless of when a Player applied for or was
awarded Inactive A T&P benefits.
2
2. Eligibility to Apply for Neurocognitive Disability Benefits
To apply for neurocognitive disability (“NC”) benefits, a Player must meet certain minimum
eligibility standards. There are two sets of eligibility standards: (1) those that vary depending
on when the application is received, and (2) those that apply regardless of when the
application is received. Both sets of standards are set forth below.
Eligibility Rules That Vary by Date of Receipt of the Application
Applications
Received . . .
Eligibility Rules
Before
April 1, 2020
Rules in effect before April 1, 2020
Between
April 1, 2020 –
March 31, 2021
A Player may apply for NC benefits regardless of whether he is a
Vested Inactive Player, regardless of his age, and regardless of
his Credited Seasons, except that Players who previously
received NC benefits and whose NC benefits ceased because
they reached age 55 under earlier versions of the Disability Plan
are not eligible for NC Benefits.
On and after
April 1, 2021
A Vested Inactive Player may apply for NC benefits regardless of
his age (as noted below, benefits are not paid past age 65) and
his Credited Seasons, except that a Player who previously
received NC benefits and whose NC benefits ceased because he
reached age 55 under earlier versions of the Disability Plan is not
eligible to apply for further NC benefits.
A Player who is not a Vested Inactive Player may apply for NC
benefits only if his application for NC benefits is received within
84 months after the end of his last contract with an NFL Club
under which he is a “Player” for at least one “Game,” as those
terms are defined in the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player
Retirement Plan, except that Players who previously received NC
benefits and whose NC benefits ceased because they reached
age 55 under earlier versions of the Disability Plan are not eligible
for NC Benefits.
3
Eligibility Rules That Apply to All Applications
• The Player must not receive monthly retirement benefits from the Bert Bell/Pete
Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan (“Pension Plan”) or be a Pension Expansion Player,
meaning a Player who was not vested in the Pension Plan prior to the 2020 CBA and
who became vested pursuant to the 2020 CBA because he has three Credited Seasons
in the Pension Plan.
• The Player must not receive T&P benefits under the Disability Plan or the Pension
Plan.
• At least one Plan neutral physician must find that the Player has a mild or moderate
neurocognitive impairment as defined in the Plan. If no Plan neutral physician renders
such a conclusion, then this threshold requirement is not satisfied, and the Player will
not be eligible for and will not receive NC Benefits, regardless of any other fact(s),
statement(s), or determination(s), by any other person or entity, contained in the
administrative record.
• After reviewing the report(s) of the Plan neutral physician(s), along with all other facts
and circumstances in the administrative record, the Disability Initial Claims
Committee or the Disability Board, as the case may be, must conclude, in its absolute
discretion, that the Player has a mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment as
defined in the Disability Plan.
• The Player must execute a release of claims as set forth in the Disability Plan.
• The Player must not have a pending application for T&P benefits or for line-of-duty
disability benefits under the Disability Plan or the Pension Plan, except that a Player
can apply for NC benefits simultaneously with either or both of those benefits.
• The Player must satisfy the other requirements of the Disability Plan for NC benefits.
3. Duration of Neurocognitive Disability Benefits
Unless the Disability Plan is otherwise amended, and except as provided in the following
sentence, NC benefits will be payable until the earliest of: (1) payment of the benefit for 180
months, (2) cessation of the Player’s neurocognitive impairment, (3) the Player’s death, or (4)
the date the Player attains age 65.
In the case of a Player who (1) is not a Vested Inactive Player, (2) filed his application for NC
benefits from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, and (3) filed his application for NC
benefits later than the date that is 84 months after he ceased to be an Active Player, the
benefit will not be payable after the earliest of (1) the cessation of the Player’s neurocognitive
impairment, (2) the Player’s death, or (3) March 2021.
NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan
Summary of Material Modifications
This notice summarizes recent clarifications and changes to the NFL Player Disability &
Neurocognitive Benefit Plan (“Disability Plan”).
1. Effective for applications filed on and after April 1, 2019, the Disability Plan was amended to
clarify that you will not receive points for surgeries, injuries, treatments, and medical procedures
that occur after your application deadline for line-of-duty (LOD) disability benefits.
2. As before, electing an early payment benefit under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player
Retirement Plan reduces your future disability benefits under the Disability Plan. Effective April
1, 2019, the Disability Plan clarifies that this reduction occurs regardless of when disability
benefits are awarded.
3. Effective for applications filed on and after April 1, 2020, you may qualify for LOD disability
benefits if you have an orthopedic impairment that adds up to at least 9 points on the Point
System for Orthopedic Impairments. For applications filed before that date, 10 points are
required.
4. Effective for applications filed on and after April 1, 2020, you may be awarded LOD disability
benefits without a physical exam by a Disability Plan Neutral Physician if –
• The Disability Board or the Disability Initial Claims Committee, as the case may be, determines
that the medical records you submitted establish you have a “substantial disablement,” and
• You otherwise meet the requirements for LOD disability benefits.
Unless you are awarded LOD disability benefits without a physical exam, the Disability Plan’s
normal procedures apply, and you may be asked to attend one or more physical exams with
Disability Plan Neutral Physicians.
5. Effective for applications filed on and after April 1, 2020, the following impairments will no longer
be considered in connection with an application for LOD disability benefits: neurocognitive,
brain-related neurological (excluding nerve damage), and psychiatric impairments.
6. Effective October 1, 2020, there are restrictions on your ability to withdraw pending applications
and appeals for disability benefits.
2
• You may withdraw a pending application for disability benefits only if you submit your
request in writing and the Disability Plan receives your request before your application is
presented to the Disability Initial Claims Committee.
• You may withdraw an appeal to the Disability Board only if you submit your request in
writing and the Disability Plan receives your request before you are evaluated on appeal
by a Disability Plan Neutral Physician.
These restrictions could be important if you are subject to the Disability Plan’s rules limiting serial
applications. In general, if those rules apply, you are not able to apply again for the same type of
disability benefits for 12 months after you receive a final denial. You may withdraw an application
to avoid the serial application rule altogether, and you may withdraw an appeal to allow you to
file a new application sooner than would be the case otherwise.
7. Effective for applications filed on and after October 1, 2020, your application for LOD disability
benefits, total and permanent disability benefits, or neurocognitive disability benefits must be
supported by at least one medical record (i.e., documents or other records prepared by a
physician, institution, or other health care professional relating to your medical condition). If you
do not submit any such medical records with your application, your application will be incomplete
and you will have 45 days in which to submit medical records. If you fail to do so within 45 days,
you will not be eligible for disability benefits and your application will be denied. You may appeal
this decision and correct the deficiency by submitting medical records on appeal. If you do not
correct the deficiency on appeal, your appeal will be denied.
Logon to nflplayerbenefits.com or call the NFL Player Benefits Office at 800.638.3186 if you have
questions about any of these clarifications and changes, or if you would like a copy of the Disability
Plan document, Summary Plan Description, or an application for benefits.
DISABILITY
PLAN
Summary Plan Description
NFL Player
Disability & Neurocognitive
Benet Plan
WWW.NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
August 2019
Dear NFL Player,
This booklet gives you a quick summary of the NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benet Plan
(“Disability Plan” or “Plan”) which provides three dierent kinds of disability benets to eligible former
National Football League (“NFL”) Players.
This booklet, written in plain language, is not a substitute for the ocial Disability Plan document,
which provides all the details, rules and exceptions. In the event of a conict between this booklet and
the ocial Plan document, the ocial Plan document will be followed. To review the ocial Disability
Plan document, contact the NFL Player Benets Oce at 800.638.3186 or visit nplayerbenets.com.
The Disability Plan’s rules and requirements have changed over the years. This booklet summarizes
Disability Plan provisions as of June 2019. For information about Disability Plan rules that may aect
benets that were awarded prior to June 2019, contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
Please take the time to read this booklet, share it with your family and keep it in your permanent
records. Should you have any questions, call the NFL Player Benets Oce at 800.638.3186.
Sincerely,
The Disability Board
NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan
Here you’ll learn
The dierences among benets under the Disability Plan
What those dierences may mean to you
How to apply for disability benets and maintain them if they are awarded
The Disability Plan is maintained in accordance with the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) between the National Football League
Players Association (“NFLPA”) and the National Football League Management Council (“NFLMC”).
NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM
Conrm your Credited Seasons, apply for Disability Plan benets, and learn how to make the most of the
benets and resources available to you as an NFL Player.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 3
Table of contents
Disability Plan
4
What it is .....................................................................................................................................................................4
Who participates .....................................................................................................................................................4
The Disability Plan at a glance ............................................................................................................................6
Understanding the Disability Plan benefits
9
Total & Permanent (“T&P”) benefits ..................................................................................................................9
Line-of-Duty (“LOD”) benefits .......................................................................................................................... 22
Neurocognitive (“NC”) benefits ....................................................................................................................... 27
Applying for Disability Plan benefits
33
Choose the benefit(s) .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Complete the application(s) ............................................................................................................................. 35
Attend a medical examination ........................................................................................................................ 37
Await decision by the Committee .................................................................................................................. 39
What happens next
40
If your application is approved ........................................................................................................................ 40
If your application is denied ............................................................................................................................. 43
Forms & resources
45
Other information
46
Glossary
55
Appendices
60
Appendix A: Point System for Orthopedic Impairments ................................................................................. 60
Appendix B: Neurocognitive Disability Release, Waiver, and Covenant Not to Sue ................................... 77
Appendix C: Players awarded T&P benefits from the Pension Plan before January 1, 2015 ..................... 79
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Player
You are a Player if you are or were employed under a contract by an NFL Club to play football in the
League.f you are obligated to perform football playing services under a contract with an NFL Club.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources4
Disability Plan
What it is
The Disability Plan provides monthly payments to eligible Players who have:
• a total and permanent disability,
• a substantial disablement caused by NFL-football activities, and/or
• a mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment
Who participates
All Players participate in the Disability Plan, but only some will be eligible to receive benets.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 5
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
Who is eligible to receive Disability Plan benets
Each benet has its own eligibility rules.
Your eligibility for a benet will depend on several medical factors, such as:
Your eligibility for a benet will also depend on several administrative factors, such as:
You will nd detailed information about eligibility for each benet here in this document.
• What your impairment is
• How severe your impairment is
• How long your impairment is expected to last
• In some cases, whether your impairment was caused by NFL-football activities
Look out for this icon for information
about medical eligibility
for each benet.
Look out for this icon for information
about administrative eligibility
for each benet.
• How long it has been since your NFL career ended
• How many Credited Seasons you have earned
• Whether you have started receiving pension benets from the Pension Plan
• The date your application is received by the Plan
• Your adherence to Plan application procedures
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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The Disability Plan
– At a glance
Total & Permanent
Disability (“T&P”)
benets
For former Players who
are unable to work
due to disability
Learn about T&P on page 9
Line-of-Duty
Disability (“LOD”)
benets
For former Players who have a
substantial disablement due
to NFL-football activities
Learn about LOD on page 22
Neurocognitive
Disability (“NC”)
benets
For former Players with a mild
or moderate neurocognitive
impairment
Learn about NC on page 27
Understanding the Disability Plan benets
There are three benets available under the Disability Plan, each with its own eligibility rules, award
amounts, and other considerations:
T
&
P
L
O
D
NC
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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Applying for Disability Plan benets
Choose the benet(s) you want to apply for
You may apply for more than one benet, but you can only have one
application pending at the same time
Learn more on page 34
Complete the application(s)
and provide supporting documents
Apply online at nplayerbenets.com or by submitting a paper version of the
application form(s) to the NFL Player Benets Oce
Learn more on page 35
Attend a medical examination
by one or more neutral physicians
If requested, you must attend these examinations to be approved for benets
Learn more on page 37
Await decision by the Disability Initial
Claims Committee (“Committee”)
A decision generally occurs within 45 days of receipt of your completed application
Learn more on page 39
THE DISABILITY PLAN AT A GLANCE
What happens next
If your application is approved
You will receive only one disability benet
at a time (if you applied for more than one).
You also are required to demonstrate your
continued eligibility for the benet.
Learn more on page 40
If your application is denied
You have a right to appeal.
Learn more on page 43
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THE DISABILITY PLAN AT A GLANCE
The Disability Plan – Key actions
Not every Player qualies for benets under the Disability Plan. The Committee and/or the Disability
Board (“Board”) carefully reviews each application, and makes a decision on an individual basis.
Be sure to take the following key actions:
• Be sure to apply on time. Pay close attention to the application deadline for each benet. Late
applications will be denied, and in some cases, award amounts vary based on when the application is
received.
• Support your application. Your application doesn’t have to be long, but it must identify the
conditions and disablements you believe qualify you for the benet. Supporting medical records are
not required, but they can help establish your eligibility.
• Take care when scheduling and attending required examinations. You may be asked to undergo
at least one medical examination by a neutral physician. You must attend scheduled exams. Plan
rules limit cancellations and rescheduling, so prepare accordingly.
• Respond quickly to any requests. The Committee and/or Board may require additional information
from you to process your application. Respond to any requests in a timely manner. If you refuse or fail
to provide the requested information, you will not be entitled to benets. NFL Player Benets Oce
sta is ready to help with any questions you may have.
• Be aware of your next step. If your application is denied for any reason, you may appeal. Even if your
application is approved, there may be additional steps you need to take over time. If you have any
questions about a decision or your options, contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
The NFL Player Benets Oce is ready to help
If you have any questions about the Disability Plan, contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
Call 800.638.3186
Take the time to fully understand the requirements for the disability benet(s) you
want to apply for. Read this document. NFL Player Benets Oce sta is ready and willing to
help if you have any questions.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
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The Total & Permanent Disability (“T&P”) benet pays a monthly benet to eligible Players who are
determined to be totally and permanently disabled.
Who is eligible to receive T&P benets
You are eligible to receive T&P benets if you meet the medical standard and the administrative
requirements for the Plan’s T&P benets:
The medical standard for T&P benets
The medical standard for T&P benets is that you must be totally and
permanently disabled.
T
&
P
Totally disabled means that you are unable to work.
For the purposes of T&P eligibility, you are unable to work if you are substantially
prevented from or substantially unable to engage in any occupation or employment for
remuneration or prot.
• Your educational level and prior training are not considered when determining whether you
are unable to work.
• You may be unable to work even if you manage personal or family investments; are
employed by a charitable organization, the NFL, or an NFL Club; are employed out of
benevolence; or receive up to $30,000 in earned income.
What does it mean to be “totally disabled?”
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY
PLAN BENEFITS:
Total & Permanent
Disability
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
You will meet the medical standard for T&P benets if both of the following occur:
• At least one Plan neutral physician nds that you are totally and permanently disabled. This
decision is generally made after a Plan neutral physician reviews your medical records and supporting
documents and performs a medical exam.
• The Committee or Board nds that you are totally and permanently disabled. This decision
will be made by reviewing your application, any supporting documents that you provide, neutral
physician report(s), and any records in your le.
Special cases:
Military service
You are not considered to be totally and permanently disabled as a result of a disability suered while in
the military service of any country.
How does the $30,000 rule work? If you make less than $30,000/year (for example, by
signing autographs), you can still qualify for T&P benets if you meet all of the other criteria
for the benet.
How does the permanent rule work? If you are recovering from a recent surgery, for
example, your application may be denied—or you may be asked to reapply later. Until you
recover, it may be impossible to determine whether your impairment is “permanent.”
Permanently disabled means that your disabling impairment has persisted or is expected
to persist for at least 12 months from the date of its occurrence, excluding any reasonably
possible recovery period.
What does it mean to be “permanently disabled?”
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Neutral Physician
A physician selected by the Disability Plan and assigned to examine you and report on your condition.
Active Player
For the purposes of applying for T&P benets, you are an Active Player until the July 31 following or
coincident with the expiration or termination of your last contract to perform football-playing services
with an NFL Club.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
SSA
Social Security disability
• When you apply for T&P benets, tell the Plan if you have already been awarded Social Security
disability benets. Generally, you will be considered totally and permanently disabled if you are
receiving Social Security disability benets.
• If you have a pending T&P application and receive an award of Social Security disability benets
while that application is pending, you can submit that award to the Plan and generally meet the
medical standard that way.
• You will not qualify for T&P benets if, after reviewing your application, four or more voting
members of the Board determine that you are not totally and permanently disabled, despite
receiving Social Security disability benets.
SSA
Look out for this icon for more information about Social Security disability and T&P benets.
The administrative requirements for T&P benets
Unless an exception applies, you must meet all of the following administrative requirements
to become eligible for T&P benets. You can learn more about each requirement by
following the symbols (e.g., ):
• You are an Active Player, or a Vested Inactive Player with at least one Credited Season after 1958
• You are not receiving Pension Plan benets or, if you are receiving Pension Plan benets,
(1) you started receiving Pension Plan benets before you reach age 55, (2) you applied for
and received Social Security disability benets before you reached age 55, and (3) you are
receiving Social Security disability benets when you apply for T&P benets. An award of
Social Security disability benets after you reach age 55 does not satisfy this requirement,
even if it is retroactive to a date prior to you reaching age 55.
• You are not receiving T&P benets from the Pension Plan
• You do not have another pending application for Disability Plan benets
• You do not have a prior application for T&P benets that was denied within the
last 12 months
• If requested, you attend examinations with Plan neutral physicians arranged for you, and
provide additional information required of you
Learn more about this requirement on page 34 Learn more about this requirement on page 44
Learn more about this requirement on page 37
Administrative requirements for T&P benets
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
1. You earn ve Credited Seasons; or
2. You earn four Credited Seasons, including a Credited Season after the 1973 Plan Year; or
3. You earn three Credited Seasons, including a Credited Season after the 1992 Plan Year; or
4. After the 1975 Plan Year, you are an Employee at age 55; or
5. After receiving T&P benets under the Retirement Plan or Disability Plan, you are
determined to no longer qualify for T&P benets.
There are other special vesting rules in the Pension Plan, but if you become vested based
solely on those other special rules you are not eligible to receive T&P benets under the
Disability Plan.
Who is a Vested Inactive Player?
If you have any questions about your eligibility, contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
How T&P monthly amounts are determined
If you are awarded T&P benets, your monthly payment amount depends on several factors:
• The category you qualify for
• Your Disability Credits (see page 15)
• Whether other benets aect your monthly T&P payment amount
You are a Vested Inactive Player if you are not an Active
Player and you are vested in the Pension Plan.
The Pension Plan states that you are a Vested Inactive Player, if:
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Employee
You are an employee if you are employed by an NFL Club as an Active Player, or if you are otherwise
employed by an NFL Club or an aliate of an NFL Club immediately before or after employment as an
Active Player. For a full denition, see page 58.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
SSA
Social Security awards and T&P categorization:
• If you are awarded T&P benets based on an award of Social Security disability benets, your category
of benets will be based on the date that the Social Security Administration letter was issued to you
notifying you that you are eligible for disability benets. Do not delay in notifying the Disability Plan
about your Social Security disability award because if you wait more than six months to do so, the date
you rst informed the Disability Plan about the award will determine your category of benets.
The disabling impairment must have resulted from one of the following:
• NFL games (pre-season, post-season and/or regular season)
• Any NFL-football activities required, supervised, or directed by an NFL Club
How are “NFL-football activities” dened?
How T&P categories work
If the Committee or Board approves your application, you will be awarded T&P benets in one of the
following four categories:
CATEGORY
CRITERIA
Active
Football
• Your impairment(s) arises while you are an Active Player, and
• Your impairment(s) arises out of NFL-football activities, and
• Your impairment(s) causes you to be totally & permanently disabled, and
• Your application for T&P benets is received within 18 months after you
cease to be an Active Player
Active
Nonfootball
• Your impairment(s) arises while you are an Active Player, and
• Your impairment(s) does not arise out of NFL-football activities, and
• Your impairment(s) causes you to be totally & permanently disabled, and
• Your application for T&P benets is received within 18 months after you
cease to be an Active Player
Inactive A • Your application that results in an award of T&P benets is received within
15 years of the end of your last Credited Season, but
• You don’t qualify for the Active Football or Active Nonfootball categories
Inactive B • You have a successful application for T&P benets, but
• You don’t qualify for any of the other categories
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• The Social Security Administration’s ndings regarding the timing and causation of your total and permanent
disability will not be binding and will be given less weight than contemporaneous medical evidence.
The Committee and Board will make their own determinations about the timing and cause of your
impairments, and the proper category for your T&P benets, based on your application, Plan neutral
physician reports, and other records available to them.
Substance abuse and T&P categorization
Generally, if your impairment was caused by the use of, addiction to, or dependence upon a controlled
substance, alcohol, or illegal drugs, you can only qualify for benets under the “Inactive B” category.
A dierent category could be assigned if:
• The abuse arose from the continuous use of a controlled substance prescribed while you were an
Active Player for the treatment of injuries or illnesses arising out of NFL-football activities,
• Your application for T&P benets is received no later than eight years after the end of your last
Credited Season, and
• You otherwise meet the criteria for a dierent category.
See the Disability Plan document or contact the NFL Player Benets Oce if you have questions about
rules related to substance abuse.
Psychological disorders and T&P categorization
Generally, if your impairment is the result of psychological or psychiatric disorders and your application
is approved, you will only qualify for benets under the “Active Nonfootball,” “Inactive A,” or “Inactive B”
categories.
The “Active Football” category may be assigned if you otherwise meet the criteria for that category and
one or more of the following are found to be true:
• The disabling disorder is caused by or relates to a head injury (or injuries) sustained in NFL-football
activities,
• The disabling disorder is caused by or relates to the use of a substance prescribed for you by a
licensed physician for an injury (or injuries) or illness arising out of NFL football activities, or
• The disabling disorder is caused by an injury (or injuries) or illness that otherwise qualied you for the
“Active Football” category.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Controlled Substance
This is dened by federal law, and includes some
drugs that may have been lawfully prescribed by
your doctor.
Illegal Drugs
This includes all drugs and substances taken in
violation of federal, state or local law or NFL policy.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 15
See the Disability Plan document or contact the NFL Player Benets Oce if you have questions about
rules related to psychological and psychiatric disorders.
How T&P categories aect award amounts
Generally, if you are awarded T&P benets, your monthly payment amount is the greater of:
• Your Disability Credits and
• The minimum benet for your category
Here are the minimum monthly T&P payment amounts for each category.
MINIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENT
CATEGORY 1/1/2016 3/31/2021
EFFECTIVE 4/1/2021
Active Football $22,084 $4,000
Active Nonfootball $13,750 $4,000
Inactive A $11,250 $4,000
Inactive B $ 5,000 $3,334
Unless the Plan is amended to provide otherwise, these are the minimum monthly payment amounts as of April 1, 2021.
See page 16 for information about Neurocognitive Supplement and Inactive B T&P payments.
For information about T&P awards based on applications received before January 1, 2015, refer to
Appendix C (page 79).
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Disability Credits
Your Disability Credits are equal to the sum of your Benet Credits and Legacy Credits (if you have Legacy
Credits) under the Pension Plan. Disability Credits do not include Special Credits. To learn more about
Benet Credits, Legacy Credits, and Special Credits, or to nd out what Credits you have earned under the
Pension Plan, visit nplayerbenets.com or contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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You will be eligible to receive an additional $1,667 per month for a limited
amount of time if:
1. You qualify for NC benets under the moderate category within 15 years of the end of
your last Credited Season, and then
2. You qualify for Inactive B T&P benets.
If these conditions are met, you will receive the additional monthly payment from the month
you are awarded Inactive B T&P benets until the earliest of the following dates:
• The month your T&P benets cease,
• The month after you turn 55, or
• March 31, 2021 (unless the Plan is amended to provide otherwise).
To learn more about NC benets, go to page 27.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
How the Neurocognitive Supplement increases
some T&P payments
How other benets aect your monthly T&P payment amount
T&P benets will be reduced by any disability benets provided by an employer other than the NFL or
an NFL Club, but will not be reduced by workers’ compensation or Social Security disability benets.
T&P benet payment amounts are linked to pension benets from the Pension Plan. Generally speaking,
the following rules apply.
• If you were paid an Early Payment Benet (EPB) under the Pension Plan prior to being awarded T&P
benets, your monthly T&P benets will be reduced.
• If you were awarded T&P benets before age 55…
a. If your 55th birthday is on or after August 1, 2011, your T&P benets will be reduced when you
reach age 55. The amount of the reduction will be equal to the monthly pension payment you
could elect to receive at age 55 if paid in a Life Only Pension form. This reduction applies even if
you defer the receipt of your pension payments past age 55.
If you are receiving disability benets from a source other than workers’ compensation
or Social Security, tell the Disability Plan.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
b. If your 55th birthday was before August 1, 2011, your T&P benets will be reduced when you
commence your Benet Credit Pension and when you commence your Legacy Credit Pension.
Your T&P benets may be similarly reduced if you are awarded these benets after you reach
55. Your monthly disability benet may be reduced by more than your actual monthly pension
payment if you elect your pension in a form other than a Life Only Pension or, in some cases, if
you delay the commencement of your pension payments until after age 55.
• If you were awarded T&P benets after age 55, but before you elected to receive pension payments…
a. If your 55th birthday is on or after August 1, 2011, your T&P benets will be immediately reduced
by the monthly pension payment you are eligible to receive, assuming that you elected to receive
your entire benet in a Life Only Pension form beginning on the date your T&P benets begin.
b. If your 55th birthday was before August 1, 2011, your T&P benets will be reduced when you
actually elect to receive pension payments. The amount of the reduction will depend on your
age at the time of your election but will not depend on the form of pension payments you elect.
• If you were already receiving monthly pension payments when you are awarded T&P benets, your
T&P benets will be similarly reduced.
Contact the NFL Player Benets Oce for more information about your situation and how these rules
could impact your T&P benet payments.
Things to consider if you are approved for T&P benets
Eective date
In general, if your T&P application is approved, your eective date is the rst day of the month that is
two months prior to the date your completed application was received by the NFL Player Benets Oce.
Your rst payment will be retroactive to that eective date.
For example,
if you apply for T&P benets in September 2019, and your application is approved, your
eective date will be July 1, 2019. Your rst payment will cover all months between the
eective date and the rst payment date.
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Early Payment Benet (EPB)
Equal to 25% of your Benet Credit Pension (excluding Special Credits) at the time the EPB is paid. Not all
Players are eligible to receive an EPB. See the Pension Plan Summary Plan Description to learn more about
EPBs.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
SSA
Eective date if you submit an award of Social Security disability benets while you
have a pending application
If you submit an award of Social Security disability benets to the Plan while you have a pending
application for T&P benets, and the Committee or Board approves your application for T&P benets
on that basis, your eective date is the rst day of the month that is two months prior to the date of
your Social Security award. The onset date of Social Security disability benets and the date that such
benets become payable are irrelevant.
For example,
if you apply for T&P benets in September 2019, and while your application is pending you
are approved for Social Security disability benets in December 2019, your eective date will
be October 1, 2019. Your rst payment will cover all months between the eective date and
the rst payment date.
Exception: If you do not submit your notice of award of Social Security disability benets to the Plan
within six months from the date of the notice, your eective date will be the rst day of the month that
is two months prior to the date that you submitted your award to the Plan.
Duration of payments
In general, if your application is approved, your T&P benets will be paid monthly for life or until you
cease being totally and permanently disabled, subject to the Plan’s continuation requirements,
described below. The duration (and amount) of T&P benets may also be impacted by the termination
of the current CBA, Plan amendment, or Plan termination. See page 47 for more information.
Requirements for continuation of T&P benets
T&P payments will stop if you cease to be totally and permanently disabled. In general, this means
you must continue to satisfy the administrative standards and continue to:
• satisfy the medical standards if you were initially awarded T&P benets by satisfying those standards;
or
• receive Social Security disability benets if you were awarded T&P benets based on receipt of such
benets.
Benets under this Disability Plan are not vested.
i
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 19
To help the Disability Plan determine whether you continue to be totally and permanently disabled
based on the medical standards, you must comply with the following rules:
• Submit an executed IRS Form 4506 by November 1 of each year, allowing the Disability Plan to
obtain a copy of your annual tax return directly from the IRS. If you have not led your annual tax
return by that date, you must instead (1) submit a signed statement that you do not intend to le a tax
return, and state your total income from all sources for that year, or (2) submit an accounting of your
total income from all sources for that year.You are exempt from these requirements if you are age 65
or older by the November 1 deadline.
• Attend a medical examination with a Plan neutral physician if asked to do so. Every ve years,
the Plan may refer you for examination with Plan neutral physicians. Such examinations may occur
more frequently, at the request of three or more voting members of the Board, but not more often
than every six months. Failure to attend these medical evaluations upon request could result in a
suspension or termination of your T&P benets.These medical examinations are subject to the rules
at page 37.
Your T&P benets may be suspended if you fail to submit to a required physical examination or to
submit an IRS Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return) and, if necessary, a signed statement or
accounting. You should review the Disability Plan document for specic rules and exceptions.
SSA
If you receive Social Security disability benets or Supplemental Security Income
program benets each year and submit proof of receipt of such benets, the income
disclosure and medical examination requirements may not apply.
a. You must report any revocation of Social Security Disability benets or Supplemental Security
Income program benets to the Disability Plan as soon as those benets are revoked.
b. If you fail to do so, your T&P benets may be terminated retroactive to the date of revocation and
you may be liable for any overpayment.
c. If the cause of revocation is your receipt of T&P benets under the Disability Plan, your T&P
benets may continue if you meet the above rules relating to annual income disclosure and
periodic physical examinations.
d. If four or more members of the Board determine, in their discretion, that you are not totally and
permanently disabled, despite receiving Social Security disability benets, your T&P benets will
be terminated.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
Whether you are subject to the medical standards or the Social Security standard,
inform the Plan immediately if you begin working.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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If you fail to inform the Plan when you begin working, your T&P benets may be terminated retroactive
to the date that you began work and you may be liable for any overpayment.
If your T&P benets are suspended, the suspension will continue until such failure is resolved to the
satisfaction of the Board. If such failure is not resolved to the satisfaction of the Board within one
year after you are notied of the consequences of your failure, your T&P benets will be terminated.
In that event, you must submit a new application to be eligible to receive any further T&P benets. If
you submit such an application within the one year following termination, your T&P benets may be
reinstated and the category under which your benet is classied will be the same as before. If you
submit an application after that one-year period, your application will be subject to the Plan’s eective
date and classication rules for new applications.
The Committee meets regularly to review eligibility for continuation of T&P benets. If the Committee
cannot come to a decision on your continued eligibility, that “deadlock” will be treated as a deemed
denial of your continued eligibility to receive benets. If you disagree with the Committee’s decision,
you may appeal the decision to the Board.
See page 43 and page 49 for more information about what happens in case of a denial or deemed
denial of continued eligibility to receive benets.
Reclassication
As of April 1, 2018, requests for reclassication are no longer permitted. There is ONE exception to
thisrule.
If you are awarded Active Nonfootball T&P benets, you may seek reclassication into the Active
Football category if:
• Your reclassication request is submitted within 18 months of the date you cease to be an Active
Player, and
• You can show, by clear and convincing evidence, that you meet the criteria of the Active Football
category due to either:
1. a new impairment that did not exist during your original application for T&P benets or
2. an impairment that did exist, but has become totally and permanently disabling following your
original award of Active Nonfootball T&P benets.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 21
Interested in applying for Total & Permanent Disability benefits?
Go to page 33 to learn more about the application process.
If reclassication is granted, the award will be retroactive to two months prior to the date the written
request for reclassication was received by the Disability Plan.
If you are receiving T&P benets under the Active Nonfootball category, and you think you may be
eligible for reclassication, contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: TOTAL & PERMANENT DISABILITY
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources22
The Line-of-Duty Disability (“LOD”) benet pays a monthly benet to eligible Players who are
determined to have sustained a substantial disablement as a result of NFL-football activities.
Who is eligible to receive LOD benets
You are eligible to receive LOD benets if you meet the medical standard and the administrative
requirements for the Plan’s LOD benets:
The medical standard for LOD benets
The medical standard for LOD benets is that you must have incurred a
substantial, permanent disablement that arose out of NFL-football activities.
L
O
D
What is a “substantial disablement”?
For your impairment to be considered a substantial disablement, it must meet one of the
following criteria:
• You have orthopedic impairments that add up to at least 10 points on the Point System for
Orthopedic Impairments (“Point System”)
» Each impairment in the Point System ranks on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most
severe. The complete Point System is included in this document (Appendix A, page 60).
• Your impairment results in a 50% or greater loss of speech or sight
• Your impairment results in a 55% or greater loss of hearing
• Your impairment is the primary or contributory cause of the surgical removal or major
functional impairment of a vital bodily organ or part of the central nervous system
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY
PLAN BENEFITS:
Line-of-Duty
Disability
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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What is a “permanent” disablement?
A disablement is permanent if it has persisted or is expected to persist for at least 12 months
from the date of its occurrence, excluding any reasonably possible recovery period.
How does the permanent rule work? If you are recovering from a recent surgery, for
example, your application may be denied—or you may be asked to reapply later. Until you
recover, it may be impossible to determine whether your impairment is “permanent.”
You will meet the medical standard for LOD benets if both of the following occur:
• At least one Plan neutral physician nds that you have a substantial, permanent disablement
that arose out of NFL-football activities. This decision is generally made after a Plan neutral
physician reviews your medical records and supporting documents and performs a medical exam.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: LINEOFDUTY DISABILITY
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Neutral Physician
A physician selected by the Disability Plan and assigned to review your case from the medical perspective.
The disabling impairment must have resulted from one of the following:
• NFL games (pre-season, post-season and/or regular season)
• Any NFL-football activities required, supervised, or directed by an NFL Club
How are “NFL-football activities” dened?
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: LINEOFDUTY DISABILITY
What are the deadlines for applying for LOD benets?
Your deadline for applying for LOD benets depends on your Credited Seasons.
• If you have four or fewer Credited Seasons, your application must be received
within 48 months of the date you are no longer an Active Player.
• If you have ve or more Credited Seasons, your deadline is the number of years after
you are an Active Player that is equal to your number of Credited Seasons.
For example, if you have six Credited Seasons, you have up to six years to apply after
you are no longer an Active Player.
i
• You are a former Player
• You are not receiving Pension Plan benets
• You are not receiving LOD benets from the Pension Plan
• You apply on time
• You do not have another pending application for Disability Plan benets
• You do not have a prior application for LOD benets that was denied within the last
12-months
• You attend examinations with Plan neutral physicians arranged for you, and provide
additional information requested of you.
See below
Learn more about this requirement on page 34
Learn more about this requirement on page 44
Learn more about this requirement on page 37
Administrative requirements for LOD benets
• The Committee or Board nds that you have a substantial, permanent disablement that arose out
of NFL-football activities. This decision will be made by reviewing your application, any supporting
documents that you provide, neutral physician report(s), and any records in your le.
The administrative requirements for LOD benets
Unless an exception applies, you must meet all of the following administrative requirements
to be eligible for LOD benets. You can learn more about each requirement by following the
symbols (e.g., ):
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 25
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: LINEOFDUTY DISABILITY
How LOD award amounts are determined
If you are awarded LOD benets, your monthly payment is equal to the greater of:
• The sum of your Disability Credits for your Credited Seasons, or
• $4,000 (this amount will be increased to $4,500 on January 1, 2021).
Unless the Plan is amended to provide otherwise, eective April 1, 2021, monthly LOD payments for all
Players will be reduced to the greater of:
• The sum of your Benet Credits for your Credited Seasons, or
• $1,000.
If you were eligible for and elected to receive an Early Payment Benet (EPB) under the Pension Plan,
and were then awarded LOD benets, your monthly LOD benets will be reduced. Contact the NFL
Player Benets Oce to nd out what your monthly benet would be in this case.
Things to consider if you are approved for LOD benets
Eective date
If your LOD application is approved, your eective date is the rst day of the month that is two months
prior to the date your completed application was received by the NFL Player Benets Oce. Your rst
payment will be retroactive to that eective date.
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Disability Credits
Your Disability Credits are equal to the sum of your Benet Credits and Legacy Credits (if you have
Legacy Credits). Disability Credits do not include Special Credits. To learn more about Benet Credits,
Legacy Credits, and Special Credits, or to nd out what Credits you have earned, visit
nplayerbenets.com or contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
Benet Credits
Your Benet Credits are the sum of the Benet Credits you earned for each of your Credited Seasons
under the Pension Plan. Benet Credits do not include Legacy Credits or Special Credits. See page 55 in
the glossary for more information.
Early Payment Benet (EPB)
Equal to 25% of your Benet Credit Pension (excluding Special Credits) at the time the EPB is paid. Not all
Players are eligible to receive an EPB. See the Pension Plan Summary Plan Description to learn more about
EPBs.
For example,
if you apply for LOD benets in September 2019, and your application is approved,
your eective date will be July 1, 2019. Your rst payment will cover all months between the
eective date and the rst payment date
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: LINEOFDUTY DISABILITY
Duration of payments
If your application is approved, your LOD benets will be paid monthly as long as your disability
qualies as a “substantial disablement,” subject to the Plan’s continuation requirements, described
below, but for no longer than 90 months. The duration (and amount) of LOD benets may also be
impacted by the termination of the current CBA, Plan amendment, or Plan termination. See page 47 for
more information. Your payments will also cease if you apply for and receive retirement benets under
the Pension Plan.
Continuation of LOD benets
You may be asked to attend occasional medical evaluations, but not more frequently than once every
six months, to conrm continued eligibility. Failure to attend these medical evaluations upon request
could result in a denial of your continued eligibility to receive LOD benets. These medical examinations
are subject to the rules at page 37.
The Committee considers eligibility for continuation of LOD benets. If the Committee cannot come
to a decision on your continued eligibility, that “deadlock” will be treated as a deemed denial of your
continued eligibility to receive benets. If you disagree with the Committee’s decision, you may appeal
the decision to the Board.
See page 43 and page 49 for more information about what happens in case of a denial or deemed
denial of continued eligibility to receive benets.
Interested in applying for Line-of-Duty Disability benets?
Go to page 33 to learn more about the application process.
Benets under this Disability Plan are not vested.
i
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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NC
The Neurocognitive Disability (“NC”) benet pays a monthly benet to eligible Players who are
determined to have a mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment.
Who is eligible to receive NC benets
You are eligible to receive NC benets if you meet the medical standard and the administrative
requirements for the Plan’s NC benets:
The medical standard for NC benets
The medical standard for NC benets is that you must have a
mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment.
What is a “mild” or “moderate” neurocognitive impairment?
The Plan uses very specic denitions for “mild” and “moderate” neurocognitive impairment
and relies on neurologists and neuropsychologists to apply them in the cases of specic
Players. Neuropsychologists measure a person’s cognitive abilities—such the ability to think
and respond to stimuli—using a battery of tests designed for that purpose.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY
PLAN BENEFITS:
Neurocognitive
Disability
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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You will meet the medical standard for NC benets if both of the following occur:
• At least one Plan neutral physician nds that you have a mild or moderate neurocognitive
impairment. This decision is generally made after a Plan neutral physician reviews your medical
records and supporting documents and performs a medical exam. These medical examinations are
subject to the rules at page 37. You will also be referred for neuropsychological testing (see below).
• The Committee or Board nds that you have a mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment.
This decision will be made by reviewing your application, any supporting documents that you
provide, neutral physician report(s), and any records in your le.
Neuropsychological testing for NC benets
If you are referred for examination by a Plan neutral neuropsychologist, you will undergo
neuropsychological testing, including two validity tests to determine whether your overall test results
are reliable and valid.
• If you fail both validity tests, you will not be eligible for the NC benet.
• If you fail one validity test, you will be eligible for the NC benet if the neuropsychologist provides
a satisfactory explanation to the Committee or the Board for why you should receive the NC benet
despite the failed validity test.
Substance abuse, psychiatric conditions, and NC eligibility
You will not be eligible for NC benets if your neurocognitive impairment was caused by substance
abuse or a psychiatric condition. If you have a substance abuse or psychiatric condition, you may be
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: NEUROCOGNITIVE DISABILITY
Mild neurocognitive impairment: The Plan denes a mild neurocognitive impairment as
a mild objective impairment in one or more domains of neurocognitive functioning which
reect acquired brain dysfunction, but not severe enough to interfere with your ability to
independently perform complex activities of daily living or to engage in any occupation for
remuneration or prot.
Moderate neurocognitive impairment: The Plan denes a moderate neurocognitive
impairment as a mild-moderate objective impairment in two or more domains of
neurocognitive functioning which reect acquired brain dysfunction and which may require
use of compensatory strategies and/or accommodations in order to independently perform
complex activities of daily living or to engage in any occupation for remuneration or prot.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
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UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: NEUROCOGNITIVE DISABILITY
What are the deadlines for applying for NC benets?
All applications for NC benets must be received in complete form by March 31, 2021,
unless this deadline is extended through collective bargaining. All monthly NC benets
cease in March 2021 unless the Disability Plan is amended by the NFLPA and the
NFLMC to extend these benets.
i
• You are a former Player
• You are vested in the Pension Plan based on Credited Seasons, with at least one of those
Credited Seasons after 1994
• You are under age 55
• You apply on time
• You are not receiving retirement benets from the Pension Plan
• You are not receiving Total & Permanent Disability (T&P) benets
• You sign the Release, Waiver, and Covenant Not to Sue
• You attend examinations with Plan neutral physicians arranged for you, and provide any
additional information required of you.
• You do not have another pending application for Disability Plan benets
• You do not have a prior application for NC benets that was denied within the last 12
months.
See below Learn more about this requirement on page 34
Learn more about this requirement on page 30 Learn more about this requirement on page 44
Learn more about this requirement on page 37
Administrative requirements for NC benets
eligible for neurocognitive benets only if your neurocognitive impairment is not caused by your
substance abuse or a psychiatric condition.
The administrative requirements for NC benets
Unless an exception applies, you must meet all of the following administrative requirements
to be eligible for NC benets. You can learn more about each requirement by following the
symbols (e.g., ):
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources30
The “Release, Waiver, and Covenant Not to Sue”
To be eligible for NC benets, you must sign a release, waiver, and covenant not to sue conrming that you
will not sue the League, any NFL Club, their employees, or aliates in an action alleging head and/or brain
injury. This release, waiver, and covenant not to sue is voided if your application is permanently denied or
if you never receive NC benets due to receipt of T&P or LOD benets under this Plan or the Pension Plan.
This release, waiver, and covenant not to sue does not extend to insurance or other benets available
under (1) any Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL Management Council and the NFLPA,
(2) the Final Class Action Settlement in In re: National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation,
Civ. Action No. 2:12-md-02323-AB, MDL No. 2323, or (3) the workers’ compensation laws. You can nd the
full text of the release, waiver, and covenant not to sue in Appendix B of this document (page 77).
How NC award amounts are determined
If you are awarded NC benets, your monthly payment depends on several factors:
• Whether you were found to have a mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment
• Your Disability Credits
If you are awarded NC benets due to a mild neurocognitive impairment
Your monthly payment will be the greater of:
• 50% of your Disability Credits, or
• The mild NC minimum (currently $3,000)
If you are awarded NC benets due to a moderate neurocognitive impairment
Your monthly payment will be the greater of:
• Your Disability Credits, or
• The moderate NC minimum (currently $5,000)
If you were eligible for and elected to receive an Early Payment Benet (EPB) under the Pension Plan,
and were then awarded NC benets, your monthly NC benets will be reduced. Contact the NFL Player
Benets Oce to nd out what your monthly benet would be in this case.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: NEUROCOGNITIVE DISABILITY
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Disability Credits
Your Disability Credits are equal to the sum of your Benet Credits and Legacy Credits (if you have Legacy
Credits). Disability Credits do not include Special Credits. To learn more about Benet Credits, Legacy
Credits, and Special Credits, or to nd out what Credits you have earned, visit
nplayerbenets.com or contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
Early Payment Benet (EPB)
Equal to 25% of your Benet Credit Pension (excluding Special Credits) at the time the EPB is paid. Not all
Players are eligible to receive an EPB. See the Pension Plan Summary Plan Description to learn more about EPBs.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 31
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: NEUROCOGNITIVE DISABILITY
Things to consider if you are approved for NC benets
Eective date
If your NC application is approved, your eective date is the rst day of the month that is two months
prior to the date your completed application was received by the NFL Player Benets Oce. Your rst
payment will be retroactive to that eective date.
Duration of payments
In general, if your application is approved, your NC benets will be paid monthly for up to 180 months,
subject to the Plan’s continuation requirements, described below. However, NC awards end before 180
months:
• When you no longer have a mild or moderate neurocognitive impairment,
• When you turn 55,
• When you receive your rst Pension Plan payment,
• When you die, or
• After March 2021 (unless the Plan is amended to provide otherwise)
The duration (and amount) of NC benets may also be impacted by the termination of the current CBA,
Plan amendment, or Plan termination. See page 47 for more information.
Continuation of NC benets
You may be asked to attend occasional medical evaluations to conrm continued eligibility, but not
more often than once every two years. Failure to attend these medical evaluations upon request could
result in a denial of your continued eligibility to receive NC benets. These medical examinations are
subject to the rules at page 37.
For example,
if you apply for NC benets in September 2019, and your application is approved, your
eective date will be July 1, 2019. Your rst payment will cover all months between the
eective date and the rst payment date.
Benets under this Disability Plan are not vested.
i
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources32
BERT BELL/PETE ROZELLE NFL PLAYER RETIREMENT PLAN
The Committee considers eligibility for continuation of NC benets. If the Committee determines that
you are no longer eligible for NC benets, or deadlocks on whether you are still eligible for NC benets,
your continued eligibility for NC benets will be denied. You can appeal the Committee’s determination
to the Board. See page 43 and page 49 for more information about what happens in case of a denial or
deemed denial of continued eligibility to receive benets.
Reclassication
You may request reclassication of your NC benet from the “mild impairment” to “moderate
impairment” category, but not more often than once every three years. However, if you sustain a new
injury or illness that causes neurocognitive impairment, you may request reclassication at any time.
88 Plan eligibility
Players awarded NC benets also may be eligible for up to $10,000 per year in
reimbursements under the 88 Plan. The 88 Plan helps eligible former Players pay for
expenses related to the treatment of Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
(ALS), or Parkinson’s Disease.
You can learn more about the 88 Plan in its Summary Plan Description. The 88 Plan Summary Plan
Description is available at nplayerbenets.com or by request from the NFL Player Benets Oce.
i
Interested in applying for Neurocognitive Disability benets?
Go to page 33 to learn more about the application process.
UNDERSTANDING THE DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: NEUROCOGNITIVE DISABILITY
GLOSSARY
A-Z
Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s Disease
The 88 Plan has its own denitions for these terms. Refer to the glossary (starting on page 55) for more about
the 88 Plan’s denitions of these terms.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 33
Each Disability Plan application has been designed to be simple enough that you can complete it on
your own. If you have any questions or need help with your application, contact the NFL Player Benets
Oce.
i
If you wish, NFL Player Benets Oce sta can ll out your application based on your direction
and will send it to you for your review and signature.
You have the right to retain an attorney or advisor should you wish to do so for any reason. If you decide
you want to retain someone to help you, the NFL Player Benets Oce can provide you with the forms
you need to appoint an attorney or advisor as an authorized representative.
i
Be aware that many attorneys demand a signicant portion of your Disability Plan benets just
to le an initial application.
Whether you apply on your own or have assistance, the following pages describe the steps of the
application process.
Look out for this icon for tips and information around applying for
disability benets and managing the award process.
i
Applying for
Disability Plan
Benets
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources34
CHOOSE THE BENEFITS
YOU WANT TO APPLY FOR
You may apply for T&P benets, LOD benets, or NC benets, or for a combination of these benets.
If you apply for multiple benets, and are determined to be eligible for more than one, you will only
receive the one with the highest monthly payment amount. You can learn more about this on page 40.
i
You may apply for any combination of benets in a single application, but you can only have
one application considered at a time.
Once your complete application for one or more benets has been received by the NFL Player Benets
Oce it will be considered “pending.” You may not submit any additional applications while you have a
pending application in process unless:
• You withdraw the pending application
• All benet claims on your pending application are denied and the time for appeal for each benet
claim has expired; or
• Your appeal for any and all pending claims is denied and is not subject to further administrative
review.
You can learn more about administrative review and what to do in case of denial on page 43 and
page49.
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: CHOOSE THE BENEFITS
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 35
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: COMPLETE THE APPLICATIONS
COMPLETE THE APPLICATIONS AND PROVIDE
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
You can apply for Disability Plan benets either online at nplayerbenets.com or by submitting
a paper version of the application form(s) to the NFL Player Benets Oce. Applications can be
downloaded from nplayerbenets.com and printed. If you would prefer, the NFL Player Benets Oce
can send you hard copies of the application form(s) by mail.
When completing your application(s), be sure to include information about any and all
impairments you have that you think support your claim for that particular Disability Plan
benet. The Committee or Board will only consider impairments that you include on your initial
application unless a neutral physician who evaluates you recommends otherwise (see below).
i
Be sure to include ALL impairments you want considered on your initial application for benets.
Supporting documents
It is not required, but strongly recommended that you provide medical records and other
documents to support your case. All medical records and other documents you wish to have
considered as part of your application must be received by the NFL Player Benets Oce for your
application to be considered complete.
i
Do not include actual lms (e.g., x-rays, MRIs) with the supporting documents you send
to the NFL Player Benets Oce. If you want any of these to be considered, you can bring
them with you to your examination with the neutral physician (See page 37).
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources36
Here are some examples of the kinds of documents that could be useful in supporting each type of
benet application:
T
&
P
Total & Permanent
Disability
• NFL Club records or third-party medical records (including records
from treating physicians) that document injuries, impairments,
treatments, and if applicable, why your impairment or injuries are
related to NFL-football activities
• Operative reports
• Reports from medical imaging
• Documents that support exceptions for substance abuse or
psychiatric problems (if applicable)
• SSA disability award and supporting documents (if applicable)
L
O
D
Line-of-Duty
Disability
• Operative reports
• NFL Club records that document injuries, impairments, treatments,
and if applicable, why your impairment or injuries are related to NFL-
football activities. Third-party medical records that report surgical
procedures will be useful if corroborating evidence is available to
conrm the procedure and its relationship to NFL-football activities.
• Reports from medical imaging
NC
Neurocognitive
Disability
• Treatment records relating to any psychiatric/psychological
conditions you may have
• Transcripts from colleges or graduate schools attended
• Reports from baseline neuropsychological tests
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: COMPLETE THE APPLICATIONS
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 37
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: ATTEND EXAMINATIONS
ATTEND A MEDICAL EXAMINATION BY ONE OR MORE PLAN
NEUTRAL PHYSICIANS, IF REQUESTED
If requested, you must attend a medical examination by one or more Plan neutral physicians.
At least one neutral physician must nd that you satisfy the medical standard for the benet you
applied for. The examination will be paid for by the Disability Plan. If you have to travel to attend this
examination, your reasonable travel expenses will be covered by the Disability Plan.
T
&
P
Exception: This generally does not apply if you were awarded T&P benets based on receipt
of Social Security disability benets. But you may be referred to one or more Plan neutral
physicians in the discretion of the Board or Committee even if you are receiving Social Security
disability benets.
L
O
D
If you are applying for LOD benets, you will receive a “whole body” orthopedic examination
by a Plan neutral physician unless you request otherwise.
After conrmation of a complete application, the NFL Player Benets Oce may contact you with
an appointment date for your medical examination with a neutral physician. By submitting your
application, you are certifying that you will be able to attend such examination within 30 days from the
date the NFL Player Benets Oce receives your application.
If you need to reschedule, change, or cancel this appointment, you must contact the NFL Player Benets
Oce at least two business days in advance of your appointment. If you do not do so, you may
become ineligible for the benet.
For example,
if your neutral exam is set for Thursday May 16, and you can’t attend it that day, you must
inform the NFL Player Benets Oce by 5 p.m. eastern time on Monday May 13. If Monday
May 13 is a holiday, then your deadline to notify the NFL Player Benets Oce is 5 p.m. eastern
time on Friday May 10.
You must attend scheduled exams. Pay close attention to these rules
around scheduling and attending exams, and prepare accordingly.
i
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources38
You can only reschedule, change, or cancel your appointment with each neutral physician once.
You cannot reschedule your exam if you have already rescheduled your exam, even if you provide
advance notice.
Generally, your application for benets will be denied if you refuse or fail to attend your
scheduled (or rescheduled) appointment. The only exception to this rule is if you fail to attend your
examination and the Committee or Board concludes that you did not attend due to circumstances
beyond your control.
i
Your attorney, representative, family members, and other third parties generally are not
permitted to attend Plan neutral exams with you or contact Plan neutral physicians. In addition,
Plan neutral exams cannot be recorded in any way.
Neutral physicians provide important reports that help the Committee and Board with their decisions
about benet eligibility. Neutral physicians have been instructed to treat each Player fairly, without bias
for or against his application. The Disability Plan also has a full-time Medical Director, who is a physician,
who provides advice about the Plan’s neutral physicians and medical examination procedures.
If you would like a neutral physician to review any of your medical records, they must be submitted to
the NFL Player Benets Oce at least 10 days before your scheduled examination.
i
Don’t submit any lms (e.g., x-rays, MRIs) to the NFL Player Benets Oce. Carry these with you
to your appointment.
You must identify all impairments that you wish to be considered on your application for Disability Plan
benets. Additional impairments that you identify later will not be considered. The only exception is
where a neutral physician recommends that additional impairments be considered, and the Committee
or Board concludes, in its discretion, that they should be considered.
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: ATTEND EXAMINATIONS
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 39
AWAIT DECISION BY THE COMMITTEE
After your medical examination is complete, the Committee will consider your evaluation report along
with the rest of your application. The Committee will consider all of the elements of your application
for benets at the earliest possible meeting. At that time, they will make a decision to approve or deny
benets, or to seek further information. Most Players receive a decision within 45 days of conrmation
of their completed application, but sometimes it takes a little bit longer.
More information on the Disability Plan’s procedures for processing applications can be found under
“Benet claim and review procedures” on page 49.
If you want to know the status of your application at any time, contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
APPLYING FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS: AWAIT DECISION
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources40
IF YOUR APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS
IS APPROVED
You will receive an approval letter from the NFL Player Benets Oce with details about your disability
award.
Refer to the earlier sections detailing each benet for information about the duration and amount of
awards, submitting proof of continued eligibility, and attending medical examinations. The following
applies to all of the Disability Plan benets:
One benet at a time
• You can only receive one Disability Plan benet at a time.
• If you are awarded T&P and NC benets, you will not receive NC benets at the same time as you are
receiving T&P benets.
• If you are awarded LOD and NC benets, you will receive the larger of the two benets for the months
in which both are payable. The overlapping months count towards both the 90-month maximum for
LOD benets and the 180-month maximum for NC benets.
How taxes aect Disability Plan payments
Typically, the full amount of each payment is taxable as income for federal tax purposes in the year that
you receive it. The tax rules that apply to disability payments are complex. You should talk with your
personal tax advisor to understand exactly how your benets will be taxed. The Disability Plan does not
provide legal or tax advice.
What happens
next
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 41
Qualied Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
Your Disability Plan benet could be reduced by a Qualied Domestic Relations Order, or “QDRO.” NFL
Player Benets Oce sta can answer any questions you may have about how the QDRO aects your
benets. NFL Player Benets Oce sta can also tell you whether you are subject to a QDRO.
Denials of continued benets
All Disability Plan benet awards are subject to periodic review, and – in some cases – the Committee or
Board may decide to deny continued benets.
If you are receiving Disability Plan benets and, upon reevaluation by a neutral physician, the
Committee deadlocks on the issue of whether you continue to be entitled Disability Plan benets, such
deadlock will be treated as a deemed denial of your continued eligibility to receive benets, and you
will be notied of that deemed denial.
• If your appeal is received within 60 days from the date the notice of the deemed denial is mailed to
you, your Disability Plan benets will continue to be paid until and unless the Board determines on
appeal that you are no longer entitled to the benets.
• If your appeal is received within 61 to 180 days from the date the notice of the deemed denial is
mailed to you, Disability Plan benets will not be paid with respect to any month that begins more
than 60 days from the date of the deemed denial. If the Board rules in your favor, benets will be paid
retroactive to a date on or after the benets ceased, as determined by the Board.
• If your appeal is not received within 180 days from the date the notice of the deemed denial was
mailed to you, your Disability Plan benets will be terminated and you must submit a new application
for Disability Plan benets to be considered for a new award.
If your Disability Plan benets terminate, you will remain eligible to receive these benets again if you
qualify under the terms of the Disability Plan in eect at the time of your subsequent application. The
classication and amount of your subsequent disability benet will be determined without regard to
any previous period of disability.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: IF APPROVED
GLOSSARY
A-Z
QDRO
A judgment, decree, or order for a plan to pay benets to your spouse, former spouse, child, or other
dependent.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources42
Overpayments and fraud
The Disability Plan may recover overpayments of benets through reduction or osets to future
benets, or other method chosen by the Board.
If you or a representative submit(s) false information and, as a result, you receive disability benets from
the Pension Plan or the Disability Plan to which you are not entitled, any further Disability Plan benets
payable to you or any beneciary (including a dependent or alternate payee) from the Disability Plan
will be reduced by the amount of the overpayment, plus interest at the rate of 6% per year.
In case of your death
The Disability Plan stops making monthly payments when you die. The last payment will be a full
monthly payment for the month in which your death occurs.
No vesting
Disability benets are not vested. They can be changed or terminated at any time by amendment or
termination of the Plan.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: IF APPROVED
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 43
IF YOUR APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY PLAN BENEFITS
IS DENIED
If your initial application is denied in whole or in part for any reason, you have a right to appeal and
submit any materials you wish for consideration by the Board. The procedures for Disability appeals can
be found under “Benet claim and review procedures” on page 49.
The ultimate decision on your application from the Board is called a nal determination. A decision of
the Committee that is not appealed within the allowed time frame will also be a nal determination.
T
&
P
If you receive a nal determination that you are not totally and permanently disabled, and you
later submit another application for T&P benets that is ultimately approved, you will NOT be
totally and permanently disabled for all of the months leading up to the prior, nal determination.
L
O
D
NC
If your application for LOD or NC benets is denied by the Committee for
administrative reasons, you appeal, and the Board overrules the Committee’s
administrative determination, you can continue your appeal with the Board. You also
have the option to withdraw your application and start over with a new one.
Why would you want to start over?
This option gives you two chances to be approved, at the Committee level and
Board level, instead of one, at the Board level only. If you choose this option, and are
ultimately approved for LOD or NC benets, the eective date will be based on the
date of your original application. The Serial Application Rule, discussed below, will be
waived.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: IF DENIED
For example,
you apply for T&P benets and the Board denies your application on August 15, 2019 because
it determines that you are not totally and permanently disabled. If you submit a subsequent
application for T&P benets, it will be conclusively presumed that you were not totally and
permanently disabled, for any reason, prior to August 15, 2019.
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources44
Serial applications
If your application for Disability Plan benets has been denied and is not subject to further administrative
review, you will be deemed to not qualify for that benet for 12 months after the nal denial.
• If your application for T&P benets is denied, you will be deemed not to be totally and
permanently disabled.
• If your application for LOD benets is denied, you will be deemed not to have a
substantial disablement.
• If your application for NC benets is denied, you will be deemed not to have a mild or moderate
neurocognitive impairment.
During this 12-month period, you will not be eligible for any disability benet for which you were
denied an award, unless an exception applies. This is referred to as the “Serial Application Rule.”
Exceptions to the Serial Application Rule
This rule may be waived by the Committee or Board if you meet one of the exceptions below:
1. You can show that your new application is based on an impairment caused by a new injury or
condition after the date you submitted your initial claim for benets:
a. If your denied application was for T&P benets, you would need to show that you became totally
and permanently disabled because of a new injury or condition after the date of your initial claim.
b. If your denied application was for LOD benets, you would need to show that you incurred a
substantial disablement because of a new injury or condition after the date of your initial claim.
c. If your denied application was for NC benets, you would need to show that you incurred a mild
or moderate neurocognitive impairment because of a new injury or condition after the date of
your initial claim.
2. The Serial Application Rule will be waived, but not more than once in your lifetime for the benet at
issue, if your application is denied because you failed to attend a required examination.
3. For T&P benet applications, the Serial Applications Rule does not apply to new applications that
inform the Plan of a disability benet awarded under the Social Security Disability Insurance or
Supplemental Security Income programs.
4. For T&P and LOD benet applications, the Serial Application Rule will be waived if your initial
application was denied because your disability was not “permanent” (within the meaning of the
Disability Plan) due to a recent surgery or other medical procedure, and your new application is
received after the expected recovery period has ended.
5. For LOD and NC benet applications, the Serial Application Rule is waived if your new application
is received after you withdraw an earlier application that is denied by the Committee for
administrative reasons, and the Board overrules the Committee’s decision.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: IF DENIED
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 45
IF YOU WANT TO USE THIS DOCUMENT AVAILABLE FROM
Apply for Total & Permanent
Disability benets
Total & Permanent Disability
Benet Application
nplayerbenets.com
or the NFL Player Benets
Oce
Apply for Line-of-Duty Disability
benets
Line-of-Duty Disability
Benet Application
nplayerbenets.com
or the NFL Player Benets
Oce
Apply for Neurocognitive Disability
benets
Neurocognitive Disability
Benet Application
nplayerbenets.com
or the NFL Player Benets
Oce
Access the ocial rules of the
Disability Plan
NFL Player Disability &
Neurocognitive Benet Plan
document
nplayerbenets.com
or the NFL Player Benets
Oce
Read the Point System
(used to determine Line-of-Duty
benet eligibility)
Point System for Orthopedic
Impairments
Refer to Appendix A of this
document
Read the Release, Waiver, and
Covenant not to Sue
(required for Neurocognitive
benet applicants)
Release, Waiver, and
Covenant not to Sue
Refer to Appendix B of this
document
Learn about the Plan’s nancial
status
Summary Annual Report nplayerbenets.com
or the NFL Player Benets
Oce
Know how your taxes will be
aected
– Speak directly with your
tax accountant
Know your options after
a divorce
Model QDRO and QDRO
Procedures
NFL Player Benets Oce
Forms
and resources
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources46
Administration and Type of Plan
The Disability Plan is a multiemployer welfare
benet plan that provides disability benets.
The Disability Plan is administered by the
Disability Board, which is a joint Board of
Trustees. The Disability Board has six voting
members, three of whom are selected by the
NFLPA and three of whom are selected by
the NFLMC. The Commissioner of the NFL is a
nonvoting member and the chairman.
Disability Board
Chairman
Roger Goodell
Management members
Dennis Curran
Jacob Frank
Belinda Lerner
Player members
Sam McCullum
Robert Smith
Je Van Note
The Disability Board has absolute discretion
and authority to interpret the Disability Plan,
review claims for benets, and decide how the
Disability Plan applies in dierent situations.
Any matter on which the Disability Board is
deadlocked may be referred to an arbitrator.
You can address correspondence to individual
Disability Board members, c/o the Disability
Plan at the address listed below. The day-to-day
administration of the Disability Plan, on behalf
of the Disability Board, occurs at the address of
the Plan Administrator below:
Plan administrator and Trustee
Disability Board
NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive
Benet Plan
200 Saint Paul St., Ste. 2420
Baltimore, MD 21202
Agent for service of legal process
The agent for service of legal process is the
Disability Board, the joint Board of Trustees for
the Disability Plan. Service of legal process also
may be made on each individual member of the
Disability Board.
Disability Initial Claims Committee
The Disability Initial Claims Committee has
three members. One is appointed by the
NFLMC and one is appointed by the NFLPA.
The third member of the Disability Initial Claims
Committee is the Plan’s Medical Director. The
Committee has the authority and discretion
to determine whether a Player is eligible for
Disability Plan benets.
Other
information
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 47
Custodian Bank
The assets of the Disability Plan are held in an
account by:
BNY Mellon
One Mellon Center
19th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15258
Union
National Football League Players
Association (NFLPA)
1133 20th St NW
Washington, DC 20036
Representative of the employers
NFL Management Council (NFLMC)
345 Park Ave
New York, NY 10154
Employer Identication Number
(EIN) assigned to the Disability Board
#52-1852594
Plan number
501
Plan Year
Records for the Disability Plan are maintained
on a Plan Year basis that begins on April 1 and
ends on the following March 31. A Plan Year
is identied by the calendar year in which it
begins.
Plan amendment or termination
The Disability Plan is maintained under
Collective Bargaining Agreements between
the NFLPA and the NFLMC. While there is a
Collective Bargaining Agreement in eect, the
NFLPA and the NFLMC, when acting jointly,
may amend or terminate the Disability Plan. If
there is no Collective Bargaining Agreement
in eect, the Disability Board may amend the
Disability Plan at any time, and may terminate
the Disability Plan if no Collective Bargaining
Agreement is in eect for more than one year.
Contributions
Contributions to the Disability Plan are made at
least quarterly to a trust fund by the member
clubs of the NFL in amounts sucient to pay
estimated Disability Plan benets and expenses.
You do not make contributions in support of the
Disability Plan.
Plan assets
The Disability Plan’s assets are held in trust
with the Disability Board serving as the Trustee.
The Trust is intended to constitute a voluntary
employees’ beneciary association, or “VEBA,”
within the meaning of Section 501(c)(9) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Assets will be used to
pay benets to Players and to pay the costs of
administering the Disability Plan.
Assignment of benets
In general, your benets belong to you, and you
cannot transfer, assign or pledge your benets
under the Disability Plan. Exceptions include
a QDRO, an IRS tax levy, and federal criminal
garnishments.
Change of address
Be sure to keep the NFL Player Benets Oce
informed of your current address. You can
update your address on nplayerbenets.com.
Receipt of documents
All correspondence, including forms, elections,
and other documents that must be submitted
OTHER INFORMATION
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
VISIT NFLPLAYERBENEFITS.COM TO:
Learn about your Disability Plan | Access information and resources48
or led with the Disability Plan, are deemed
received only if and when actually received
by the Disability Plan, and not when mailed or
otherwise sent.
Missing payees
If a benet is payable to a Participant who
cannot be found by the NFL Player Benets
Oce, the entire benet of, and amount payable
to, that Participant will be forfeited at the end
of that Plan Year. If the Participant subsequently
provides accurate contact information to the
NFL Player Benets Oce, the amount forfeited
will be reinstated, and all amounts then due will
be paid to such Participant.
Incapacity
If you are incapacitated so as to be unable to
manage your nancial aairs, the Disability
Board may, in its sole discretion, direct that your
benets be paid to your legal representative,
relative or other individual for your benet
or otherwise direct that benet payments be
made on your behalf. In addition, the Disability
Board may, in its sole discretion, establish a
trust to hold your benets on your behalf and
appoint a trustee for that trust. The Disability
Plan will pay reasonable expenses of the trust
and its trustee. A determination of incapacity
and an establishment of a trust by any of the
NFL Player Plans will extend to this Disability
Plan. More information regarding such trusts is
available from the NFL Player Benets Oce.
Designating a representative
For all types of claims and administrative
review of claim denials, you can designate
a representative to act on your behalf by
submitting a written authorization to the NFL
Player Benets Oce. You may not designate a
representative who is a convicted felon. If you
designate a representative to act on your behalf,
unless you limit the scope of the representation
in writing (or the representation is otherwise
terminated), the decisions and other notices
regarding your claim and/or administrative
review of a claim denial will be sent to your
representative, and your representative will
be allowed to review and obtain copies of
your Disability Plan records and other relevant
information.
Failure to exhaust
administrative remedies
If your claim for an eligibility determination
or for benets is denied in whole or in part
(including a deemed denial) and you fail
to request, in a timely manner, review by
the Disability Board of the denial under the
Disability Plan’s review procedures described
below, you will have failed to exhaust your
administrative remedies. If you fail to exhaust
your administrative remedies and later le a
legal action in court on your denied benet
claim, the court may dismiss your claim.
OTHER INFORMATION
GLOSSARY
A-Z
NFL Player Plans
For purposes of this Plan, NFL Player Plans includes the following: Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player
Retirement Plan (Pension Plan), NFL Player Second Career Savings Plan (401(k) Savings Plan), NFL Player
Capital Accumulation Plan, NFL Player Annuity Program, NFL Player Tax-Qualied Annuity Plan, 88 Plan,
and Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan (HRA Plan).
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 49
Uniform procedures
The transition of certain disability benets from
the Pension Plan to this Plan does not change
the underlying procedures for applying for and
receiving disability benets. For example, materials
submitted to or obtained by the Pension Plan
relating to an application will become part of
the administrative record of this Plan.
Decisions of the Pension Plan will, where
appropriate, be reviewed by this Plan as if
they were prior decisions of this Plan. Rules on
serial applications, reexaminations, tax returns,
continuation of benets, reclassication,
duration of benets, and similar provisions will
be interpreted and administered as if this Plan
and the Pension Plan were a single plan. Records
of this Plan may be shared with the Pension Plan,
as appropriate for Pension Plan purposes.
Deemed payments
Overpayments by the Pension Plan of T&P
benets or LOD benets that are not collectible
from disability benets under the Pension Plan
because of the transition of such benets to
this Plan will be deemed advance payments
under this Plan. The monthly benet amounts
otherwise payable under this Plan will be
reduced by the amount of the deemed advance
payment divided by the remaining number
of months that the benet is expected to be
paid. This reduction will cease when those
deemed advance payments are reduced to zero.
The Disability Board may exercise discretion
to apply any deemed advance payment to
payments under this Plan more quickly in the
circumstances of particular cases.
Qualied Domestic Relations
Orders (QDROs)
Qualied domestic relations orders received by
the Pension Plan prior to January 1, 2015 that
provide disability benets to an alternate payee
under the Pension Plan will be deemed to apply
to disability benets paid under this Plan on
and after January 1, 2015, to the extent those
benets are now paid out of this Plan.
Benet claim and review procedures
This section describes the Disability Plan’s
procedures for (1) initial claims for disability
benets and (2) administrative review (also
called administrative appeals) of denials, or
partial denials, of claims for disability benets.
Initial claims, including initial determinations
on continuations, are generally decided by the
two members of the Disability Plan’s Disability
Initial Claims Committee who are not medical
professionals. The member who is a medical
professional will cast the deciding vote only if
the other two members are deadlocked over
a medical aspect of your claim. If, however,
the member who is a medical professional
determines that the medical evidence is either
inconclusive or insucient, he or she will abstain
from voting and the resulting deadlock will be
treated as a deemed denial of your claim. You
will be notied of this deemed denial, which you
may then appeal to the Disability Board. See the
section above entitled “Denials of continued
benets,” for a discussion as to what may
happen if you are currently receiving disability
benets and, upon reevaluation, you receive a
deemed denial as to whether you continue to be
entitled to receive these benets.
OTHER INFORMATION
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The Disability Initial Claims Committee has
absolute discretion and authority to interpret
the Disability Plan and to make factual
determinations when it makes disability benet
determinations. The Disability Initial Claims
Committee ordinarily will reach a decision on
a claim for disability benets within 45 days
after it is received, although in some cases
the decision may be delayed for up to two
additional 30-day extension periods. You will
be notified in writing if the decision time is
extended beyond the initial 45-day period
or beyond the first 30-day extension period.
If the extensions are necessary because the
Disability Initial Claims Committee needs
additional information from you to decide
your claim, you will be given at least 45 days
to provide the specified information, and
any time periods during which the Disability
Initial Claims Committee is waiting for you
to provide the additional information do not
count for purposes of computing the 30-day
extension periods.
If the Disability Initial Claims Committee makes
a disability benet determination that is adverse
to you in whole or in part, you will receive a
written notice of decision in a culturally and
linguistically appropriate manner, as set forth in
29 CFR 2560.503-1(o), which will set forth:
1. the specic reason(s) for the adverse
determination;
2. reference to the specic Plan provisions on
which the adverse determination is based;
3. a description of additional material or
information, if any, needed to perfect the
claim and the reasons such material or
information is necessary;
4. a description of the Plan’s review procedures
and the time limits applicable to such
procedures, including a statement of the
claimant’s right to bring a civil action under
ERISA section 502(a) following an adverse
determination on review;
5. any internal rule, guideline, protocol, or
other similar criterion relied on in making
the determination (or state that such rules,
guidelines, protocols, standards, or other
similar criteria do not exist);
6. if the determination was based on a
scientic or clinical exclusion or limit, an
explanation of the scientic or clinical
judgment for the determination, applying
the terms of the Plan to your circumstances
(or state that such explanation is available
free of charge upon request);
7. a discussion of the decision, including an
explanation of the basis for disagreeing
with or not following the views expressed
in (a) reports presented by you of medical
professionals treating you and vocational
professionals who evaluated you, (b) reports
of medical or vocational experts whose
advice was obtained on behalf of the Plan
in connection with your adverse benet
determination, without regard to whether
the advice was relied upon in making the
benet determination, or (c) Social Security
Administration disability determinations
presented by you to the Plan; and
8. a statement that you are entitled to receive,
upon request and free of charge, reasonable
access to, and copies of, all documents,
records, and other information relevant to
the claim for benets.
OTHER INFORMATION
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If the Disability Initial Claims Committee fails
to notify you of its decision regarding your
claim for disability benets within the time
periods described above, you can elect to treat
that failure to respond as a deemed denial of
your initial claim, which you may appeal to the
Disability Board.
If you receive an adverse disability benet
determination that you want reviewed under
the Disability Plan’s appeal procedures, you
must request administrative review (also called
administrative appeal) in writing to the Disability
Board at the NFL Player Benets Oce within
180 days of receiving the notice of decision.
You also can request administrative review of a
deemed denial.
During the administrative review process,
upon request and free of charge, you can
have reasonable access to (and copies of)
all documents, records, and other relevant
information about your claim for disability
benets, and you also can submit issues and
comments in writing to the Disability Board.
You will receive, free of charge, any new or
additional evidence considered, relied upon, or
generated by or on behalf of the Plan on review,
as soon as possible and suciently in advance
of the date on which the notice of adverse
benet determination on review is required
to be provided, so that you have a reasonable
opportunity to respond prior to that date. You
will also receive, free of charge, any new or
additional rationale for the denial of the claim
that arises during the review, as soon as possible
and suciently in advance of the date on which
the notice of adverse benet determination on
review is required to be provided, so that the
you have a reasonable opportunity to respond
prior to that date.
In making its decision on review, the Disability
Board will take into account all available
information, regardless of whether it was
available or presented to the Disability Initial
Claims Committee, and will aord no deference
to the determination made by the Disability
Initial Claims Committee.
Neutral, board-certied physicians serve as
Medical Advisory Physicians to the Disability
Board. These doctors evaluate the medical
aspects of certain disability applications.
Medical Advisory Physicians will not be the same
physician (or subordinate physician) who was
consulted during the initial determination.
Three or more members of the Disability Board
may require the Medical Advisory Physician to
make a nal and binding determination with
respect to a medical decision as to whether
you qualify for disability benets. Any such
designated physician will have full and absolute
discretion, authority and power to decide such
medical issues. In all other respects, including
the interpretation of the Disability Plan and the
decision as to whether the claimant is entitled
to benets, the Disability Board will retain its
full and absolute discretion. Upon request, the
Disability Board will identify the medical experts
whose advice was obtained in connection with
an adverse benet determination, without
regard to whether the advice was relied upon in
making the benet determination.
OTHER INFORMATION
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The Disability Board ordinarily will make a
decision on your request for review at its next
meeting, or at its second meeting following
receipt of your request for review if your request
is received less than 30 days before the next
meeting. However, if special circumstances exist,
such as the need to obtain further clarifying
information, the review may be delayed but will
be made by no later than the third Disability
Board meeting following receipt of your request
for review. The Disability Board will notify you in
writing of its decision on review. If the decision
on review is adverse to you in whole or in part,
the written notice will:
1. state the specic reason(s) for the adverse
determination;
2. reference the specic Plan provision(s) on
which the adverse determination is based;
3. state that you are entitled to receive, upon
request and free of charge, reasonable
access to, and copies of, all documents,
records, and other information relevant to
the claim for benets;
4. state that you have the right to bring an
action under ERISA section502(a) and
identify the statute of limitations applicable
to such action, including the calendar date
on which the limitations period expires;
5. disclose any internal rule, guidelines,
or protocol relied on in making the
determination (or state that such rules,
guidelines, protocols, standards, or
other similar criteria do not exist); if the
determination was based on a scientic
or clinical exclusion or limit, contain an
explanation of the scientic or clinical
judgment for the determination, applying
the terms of the Plan to your circumstances
(or state that such explanation is available
free of charge upon request); and
6. discuss the decision, including an
explanation of the basis for disagreeing
with or not following the views expressed
in (a) reports presented by you of medical
professionals treating you and vocational
professionals who evaluated you, (b) reports
of medical or vocational experts whose
advice was obtained on behalf of the Plan
in connection with your adverse benet
determination, without regard to whether
the advice was relied upon in making the
benet determination, or (c) Social Security
Administration disability determinations
presented by you to the Plan.
You may request a written explanation of any
alleged violation of these claims procedures.
Any such request should be submitted to the
Plan in writing; it must state with specicity the
alleged procedural violations at issue; and it
must be received by the Plan no more than 30
days following your receipt of a decision on the
pending application or appeal, as applicable.
The Plan will provide an explanation within 10
days of the request.
Limitation on actions
You may not commence a legal action in a
court on a benet claim denial or partial denial
more than 42 months from the date of the nal
decision on your claim. With respect to all other
types of claims, you may not commence a legal
action in a court after the earlier of –
• six years after the date of any omission,
violation, or breach of any responsibility, duty,
or obligation imposed by the Disability Plan or
applicable laws, or
OTHER INFORMATION
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• three years after the earliest date that you
knew or should have known of any such
omission, violation, or breach; however,
depending on the facts, certain exceptions
may apply.
If you do le a legal action after these limitation
periods have expired, the court may dismiss
your claim.
Your ERISA rights
You are entitled to certain rights and protections
under the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). Among other
protections, ERISA allows you to:
Receive information about your
plan benets
• Examine without charge at the NFL Player
Benets Oce all ocial Disability Plan
documents, including the Collective
Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”), and any
extensions thereto, a copy of the latest
annual report (Form 5500 Series) led by the
Disability Board with the U.S. Department of
Labor (and available at the Public Disclosure
Room of the Employee Benets Security
Administration), and a copy of the updated
Summary Plan Description. You can get copies
of these Disability Plan documents if you
ask in writing. The NFL Player Benets Oce
may charge you a reasonable fee for copies
of these documents, except for the Summary
Plan Description.
• Receive a summary of the Disability Plan’s
annual nancial report. The Disability Board
is required by law to give you a copy of this
Summary Annual Report every Plan Year.
• Obtain by written request to the NFL Player
Benets Oce a complete list of employers
and employee organizations sponsoring the
Disability Plan. The list also is available for
examination at the NFL Player Benets Oce.
In addition, you may obtain by written request
to the NFL Player Benets Oce information
as to whether a particular employer or
employee organization is a Disability Plan
sponsor and, if so, the sponsor’s address.
Prudent actions by Plan duciaries
In addition to creating rights for plan participants,
ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are
responsible for the operation of the Disability
Plan. The Disability Board members and certain
others with responsibility for managing or
operating the Disability Plan, called “duciaries”
of the Disability Plan, have a duty to do their jobs
prudently and in your interest and in the interest
of all the other Disability Plan participants. No
one – neither your employer, your union, nor any
other person – may terminate your employment
or in any way discriminate against you to prevent
you from obtaining a Disability Plan benet or
exercising your rights under ERISA.
Enforce your rights
If your claim for a Disability Plan benet from the
Disability Plan is denied in whole or in part, you
have the right to receive a written explanation
of the reason for the denial. You have the
right to have the Disability Board review and
reconsider your claim. And, under ERISA, there
are steps you can take to exercise these rights.
For instance, if you ask for copies of the above
materials from the NFL Player Benets Oce and
do not receive them within 30 days, you can le
OTHER INFORMATION
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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suit in a federal court. In such a case, the court
may require the Disability Board to provide the
material. In addition, the court may impose a
ne of up to $110 a day on the Disability Board,
payable to you, unless you did not get the
materials because of some reason beyond the
control of the Disability Board.
If you have a claim for benets that is denied or
ignored in whole or in part, you may le suit in a
state or federal court. In addition, if you disagree
with the Disability Plan’s decision or lack thereof
concerning the qualied status of a domestic
relations order, you may le a suit in federal
court. If the Disability Plan duciaries misuse the
Disability Plan’s money, or you are discriminated
against for asserting your rights, you may seek
assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor.
You may le suit in a federal court. The court will
decide who should pay court costs and legal
fees. If the court decides in your favor, it may
order the person you have sued to pay these
court costs and legal fees. If you lose, the court
may order you to pay these court costs and
legal fees if, for example, it nds your claim is
frivolous.
Assistance with your questions
If you have any questions about the Disability
Plan, you should contact the Disability Board
by writing or calling the NFL Player Benets
Oce. If you have any questions about this
summary or about your rights under ERISA, or
if you need assistance in obtaining documents
from the Plan Administrator, you should contact
the nearest oce of the Employee Benets
Security Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor, listed in your telephone directory, or the
Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries,
Employee Benets Security Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue,
NW, Washington, DC 20210. You also can
obtain certain publications about your rights
and responsibilities by calling the publications
hotline of the Employee Benets Security
Administration.
No PBGC insurance
Benets under the Disability Plan are not insured
by the Pension Benet Guaranty Corporation
(“PBGC”). PBGC insurance protection is not
available to welfare benet plans such as this
Disability Plan.
Disclaimer
This summary is intended to describe in general
terms the essential features of your Disability
Plan. Every eort has been made to make
sure that the information contained in this
summary is correct; however, in the case of
any discrepancy, the provisions of the actual
Disability Plan and Trust will govern.
OTHER INFORMATION
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
Call the NFL Player Benets Oce 800.638.3186 55
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
Active Player
Generally, you are an Active Player if you are obligated to perform football playing services under a
contract with an NFL Club. For purposes of qualifying for total and permanent disability benets only,
you are also an Active Player up until July 31 following or coincident with the expiration or termination
of such contract.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – 88 Plan
The 88 Plan denes ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, as an adult-onset neuromuscular disease
characterized by progressive muscle wasting, weakness, and spasticity resulting from the degeneration
of cortical and spinal motor neurons. Some physicians are specially trained to make a diagnosis of ALS.
To learn more about the 88 Plan, see the 88 Plan Summary Plan Description.
Benet Credits
Your Benet Credits are the sum of the Benet Credits you earned for each of your Credited Seasons
under the Pension Plan, in accordance with the table below. Benet Credits do not include Legacy
Credits or Special Credits. See the Pension Plan document for more information.
CREDIT SEASON: BENEFIT CREDIT:
Before 1982 250
1982 through 1992 255
1993 and 1994 265
1995 and 1996 315
1997 365
1998 through 2011 470
2012 through 2014 560
2015 through 2017 660
2018 through 2020 760
Glossary
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
Club
A member club of the NFL.
Controlled substance
Drugs and other substances that are considered controlled substances under the Controlled Substances
Act (CSA).An updated and complete list of the schedules is published in Title 21 Code of Federal
Regulations (C.F.R.) §§ 1308.11 through 1308.15.Controlled substances could include some drugs that
may have been lawfully prescribed by the Player’s doctor.
Credited Season
Credited Seasons are determined under the Pension Plan, and such determinations are binding on this
Disability Plan.
Generally, a Credited Season is an NFL season in which you are employed as an Active Player (including
an injured Player who otherwise satises the denition of Active Player) on the date of three or more
Games for your Club.
As a Player, you also earn a Credited Season in a Plan Year in which any of the following occurs:
• After April 1, 1970, you incur an injury during the Plan Year in the course and scope of your
employment by a Club, and pursuant to an injury grievance settlement or an injury settlement waiver
for that injury, you are paid by a Club the equivalent of your salary for three or more Games for that
Plan Year (or for a number of Games that, when added to your otherwise credited Games for that Plan
Year, totals three or more).
• After reporting to at least one ocial pre-season training camp or ocial practice session during a
Plan Year, you
d. die during that same Plan Year, or
e. incur a disability during that same Plan Year that subsequently qualies you for line-of-duty
disability benets under the Pension Plan or the Disability Plan, or
f. incur a disability during that same Plan Year that subsequently qualies you for Active Football
total and permanent disability benets or Active Nonfootball total and permanent disability
benets under this Pension Plan or the Disability Plan.
GLOSSARY
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
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NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
• If, during a Plan Year while under contract as an Active Player with a Club, you are absent from
employment in the NFL due to service in the Armed Forces of the United States, and you return as
an Active Player. Your return to the NFL must occur after you are eligible for discharge from military
service within 90 days (or any longer period prescribed by law) or the opening of your Club’s ocial
pre-season training camp, whichever is later.
• You served in the Armed Forces of the United States during a Plan Year in the table below (generally
relating to World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conict) and, in the year before you entered
the Armed Forces, you either played NFL football or signed a contract or similar document with the
intent of playing NFL football, and you were alive on the dates in the table below. Under this special
rule, you can only earn the number of Credited Seasons you would need to become a Vested Player.
FOR PLAN YEARS: YOU WERE ALIVE ON:
April 1, 1941 through March 31, 1947 June 6, 1994
April 1, 1950 through March 31, 1955 May 1, 1996
April 1, 1960 through March 31, 1976 January 13, 2000
• You were on the practice squad for at least eight Games in a single Plan Year, you are otherwise
vested, and you otherwise earned a Credited Season for the 2001 Season or later. You can earn only
one Credited Season under this special rule during your career.
See the Pension Plan document for special rules. If you have any questions about your Credited Seasons,
contact the NFL Player Benets Oce at 800.638.3186.
Dementia – 88 Plan
According to the 88 Plan, Dementia is diagnosed when there are cognitive or behavioral
(neuropsychiatric) symptoms that meet certain criteria. To learn more about the 88 Plan, see the 88 Plan
Summary Plan Description.
Disability Credits
Your Disability Credits are equal to the sum of your Benet Credits and Legacy Credits (if you have
Legacy Credits) under the Pension Plan. Disability Credits do not include Special Credits. To learn more
about Benet Credits, Legacy Credits, or Special Credits, or to nd out the amount of your Disability
credits you have earned, visit nplayerbenets.com or contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
GLOSSARY
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
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NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
Early Payment Benet (EPB)
Equal to 25% of the Player’s Benet Credit Pension (excluding Special Credits) at the time the EPB is paid.
Not all Players are eligible to receive an EPB. See the Pension Plan Summary Plan Description to learn
more about EPBs.
Employee
You are an Employee if you are employed by an NFL Club as an Active Player, or if you are otherwise
employed by an NFL Club or an aliate of an NFL Club (that is, an entity in a controlled group with,
under common control with, or in an aliated service group with, an NFL Club) and your employment
immediately precedes or immediately follows, without interruption, employment as an Active Player.
Game
Any regular or post-season NFL game, not including the Pro Bowl.
Illegal drugs
This includes all drugs and substances taken in violation of federal, state or local law or NFL policy.
Neutral physician
A physician selected by the Disability Plan and assigned to examine you and/or review your records, and
report on your condition. The NFLPA and the NFLMC jointly approve Plan neutral physicians.
NFL Player Plans
For purposes of this Plan, NFL Player Plans includes the following: Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player
Retirement Plan (Pension Plan), NFL Player Second Career Savings Plan (401(k) Savings Plan), NFL Player
Capital Accumulation Plan, NFL Player Annuity Program, NFL Player Tax-Qualied Annuity Plan, 88 Plan,
and Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan (HRA Plan).
Parkinson’s Disease – 88 Plan
The 88 Plan denes Parkinson’s Disease as a progressive neurodegenerative condition resulting from
the deciency of the dopamine-containing cells of a section of the brain called the substantia nigra. A
diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease is primarily a clinical one based on history and examination. People
with this disease usually have symptoms such as slowness of movement, rigidity and rest tremor. To
learn more about the 88 Plan, see the 88 Plan Summary Plan Description.
Plan Year
April 1
st
to the following March 31
st
.
GLOSSARY
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
QUESTIONS?
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NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
Player
You are a Player if you are or were employed under a contract by an NFL Club to play football in the
League.
QDRO
A judgment, decree or order for a plan to pay benets to your spouse, former spouse, child or other
dependent.
Vested Player
A Player who is eligible to receive Pension benets. To learn more about vesting and the Pension Plan,
refer to the Pension Plan Summary Plan Description.
Vested Inactive Player
You are a Vested Inactive Player if you are not an Active Player but you are vested in the Pension Plan.
The Pension Plan states that you are a Vested Inactive Player, if:
• You earn ve Credited Seasons; or
• You earn four Credited Seasons, including a Credited Season after the 1973 Plan Year; or
• You earn three Credited Seasons, including a Credited Season after the 1992 Plan Year; or
• After the 1975 Plan Year, you are an Employee on your normal retirement date; or
• After receiving T&P benets under the Retirement Plan or Disability Plan, you are found to no longer
qualify for T&P benets.
GLOSSARY
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
60
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This Point System for Orthopedic Impairments (“Point System”) is used to determine whether a Player
has a “substantial disablement” within the meaning of Plan Section 5.5(a)(4)(B). The Point System assigns
points to each orthopedic impairment recognized under the Plan. A Player is awarded the indicated
number of points for each occurrence of each listed orthopedic impairment, but only where the Player’s
orthopedic impairment arose out of League football activities, and the impairment has persisted or is
expected to persist for at least 12 months from the date of its occurrence, excluding and reasonably
possible recovery period.
A Player is awarded points only if his orthopedic impairment is documented according to the following
rules:
1. A Player is awarded points for documented surgeries, injuries, and degenerative joint disease only if
they are related to League football activities.
Appendix A
– Point System
for Orthopedic
Impairments
• Cervical Spine
• Thoracic Spine
• Lumbar Spine
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Hand
• Hip
• Knee
• Ankle
• Foot
The Point System Impairment Tables are organized as follows:
NFL PLAYER DISABILITY & NEUROCOGNITIVE BENEFIT PLAN
61
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2. A Player is awarded points for a surgical procedure if the record includes an operative report for
the qualifying procedure or if NFL Club records document the procedure. Surgical procedures
reported through third party evaluations, such as independent medical examinations for workers’
compensation, should not be used unless corroborating evidence is available to conrm the
procedure and its relationship to League football activities.
3. Points are awarded for symptomatic soft tissue injuries where the injury is documented and there
are appropriate, consistent clinical ndings that are symptomatic on the day of exam. For example,
AC joint injuries must be documented in medical records and be symptomatic on examination, with
appropriate physical ndings, to award points.
4. If an injury or surgery is not listed in the Point System, no points should be awarded.
5. Medical records, medical history, and the physical examination must correlate before points
can be awarded.
6. If a lateral clavicle resection is given points, additional points cannot be awarded if the AC joint is still
symptomatic, such as with AC joint inammation or shoulder instability.
7. Moderate or greater degenerative changes must be seen on x-ray to award points (i.e., MRI ndings
do not count).
8. Players must have moderate or greater loss of function that signicantly impacts activities of daily
living, or ADLs, to get points.
9. Cervical and lumbosacral spine injuries must have a documented relationship to League football
activities, with appropriate x-ray ndings, MRI ndings, and/or EMG ndings to be rated.
10. In cases where an injury is treated surgically, points are awarded for the surgical treatment/repair
only, and not the injury preceding the surgical treatment/repair. For example, a Player may receive
points for “S/P Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair,” and if so he will not receive additional points for the
“Pectoralis Major Tendon Tear” that led to the surgery.
11. As indicated in the Point System Impairment Tables, some injuries must be symptomatic on
examination to merit an award of points under the Point System.
12. To award points for a subsequent procedure on the same joint/body part, the Player must recover
from the rst procedure and a new injury must occur to warrant the subsequent procedure.
Otherwise, a revise/redo of a failed procedure would be the appropriate impairment rating.
13. Hardware removal is not considered a revise/redo of a failed surgery, and points are not awarded for
hardware removal.
14. Multiple impairment ratings may be given related to a procedure on the same date, i.e., partial
lateral meniscectomy and microfracture or chondral resurfacing.
15. When an ankle ORIF with soft tissue occurs, there should be no additional points for syndesmosis
repair or deltoid ligament repair.
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Point System Impairment Tables
CERVICAL SPINE
Impairment
Point Value
Documented Herniated Cervical Nucleus Pulposus With
Radiculopathy (Does Not Include Disc Bulges Or Disc Protrusions)
5
Documented Cervical Radiculopathy With EMG And MRI,
Supported By Findings Observed During Clinical Examination
5
Symptomatic Cervical Spondylolisthesis Grade I Or II 5
Symptomatic Cervical Spondylolisthesis Grade III Or IV 7
Cervical Compression Fracture With Greater Than 50%
Compression Without Neurological Symptoms
8
Cervical Compression Fracture With Greater Than 50%
Compression With Neurological Symptoms
10
Cervical Stress Fracture With Spondylolysis 3
S/P Cervical Disc Excisions 3
S/P Cervical Fusion - Single Level 5
S/P Cervical Fusion – Multiple Levels (add one point for each
additional level of cervical fusion)
2 levels = 6 points,
3 levels = 7 points, etc.
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Cervical Spine
Surgery (i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Symptomatic Documented Acute Unstable Cervical Spine
Fracture Treated Non-Surgically
3
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THORACIC SPINE
Impairment
Point value
Documented Herniated Thoracic Nucleus Pulposus With
Radiculopathy (Does Not Include Disc Bulges Or Disc Protrusions)
5
Thoracic Compression Fracture With Greater Than 50%
Compression
5
S/P Thoracic Disc Excisions 3
S/P Thoracic Fusion - Single Level 5
S/P Thoracic Fusion – Multiple Levels (add one point for each
additional level of thoracic fusion)
2 levels =6 points,
3 levels =7 points, etc.
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Thoracic Spine
Surgery (i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Symptomatic Documented Acute Unstable Thoracic Spine
Fracture Treated Non-Surgically
3
LUMBAR SPINE
Impairment
Point value
Documented Herniated Lumbar Nucleus Pulposus With
Radiculopathy (Does Not Include Disc Bulges Or Disc
Protrusions)
5
Documented Lumbar Radiculopathy With EMG And MRI,
Supported By Findings Observed During Clinical Examination
5
Symptomatic Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Grade I Or II 5
Symptomatic Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Grade III Or IV 7
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Lumbar Compression Fracture With Greater Than 50%
Compression Without Neurological Symptoms
8
Lumbar Compression Fracture With Greater Than 50%
Compression With Neurological Symptoms
10
Lumbar Stress Fracture With Spondylolysis 3
S/P Lumbar Disc Excisions 3
S/P Lumbar Fusion - Single Level 5
S/P Lumbar Fusion – Multiple Levels (add one point for each
additional level of lumbar fusion)
2 levels =6 points,
3 levels =7 points,
etc.
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Lumbar Spine
Surgery (i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Symptomatic Documented Acute Unstable Lumbar Spine
Fracture Treated Non-Surgically
3
SHOULDER
Impairment
Point value
S/P Subacromial Decompression 1
S/P Lateral Clavicle Resection 2
S/P Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair 2
S/P Longhead Biceps Tenodesis Or Tenotomy 2
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S/P Arthroscopic Stabilization Procedure with or without SLAP
Repair
3
S/P Rotator Cu Repair With Or Without Subacromial
Decompression
3
S/P Total Shoulder Arthroplasty 5
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Shoulder
Surgery (i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Symptomatic Acromioclavicular Joint Inammation 2
Longhead Biceps Tendon Tear 1
Suprascapular Nerve Injury 1
Symptomatic Rotator Cu Tendon Tear 2
Symptomatic Shoulder Instability 3
Pectoralis Major Tendon Tear 2
Glenohumeral Joint Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or
Greater (i.e., signicant loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical
examination and x-ray)
3
Loss Of Functional Range Of Motion - Moderate Or Greater (i.e.,
loss of motion that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to
perform normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming,
dressing, driving, etc.))
2
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S/P ORIF Humerus Fracture 2
S/P Axillary Nerve Release 1
S/P Open Stabilization Procedure 4
S/P ORIF - Clavicle 2
S/P ORIF - Scapula 2
ELBOW
Impairment
Point Value
S/P Distal Biceps Tendon Repair 3
S/P Radial Head Excision 3
S/P Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair/Reconstruction 3
S/P Radial Collateral Ligament Repair/Reconstruction 3
S/P Arthroscopy - Excision Of Bone Spurs, Removal Of Loose
Bodies, Or Chondroplasty
3
S/P Total Elbow Arthroplasty 3
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S/P Distal Triceps Tendon Repair 3
S/P Repair Of Medial And Lateral Epicondylitis 1
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Elbow Surgery
(i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Symptomatic Complete Ulnar Or Radial Collateral Ligament Tear 3
Triceps Tendon Tear 3
Distal Biceps Tendon Tear 3
Peripheral Nerve Injury – Moderate Or Greater (i.e., nerve injury
that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to perform normal
activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, driving, etc.))
1
Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signicant
loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
3
Loss Of Functional Range Of Motion - Moderate Or Greater (i.e.,
loss of motion that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to
perform normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming,
dressing, driving, etc.))
2
S/P ORIF Radius And/Or Ulna Fracture 2
S/P Posterior Interosseus Nerve Release 1
S/P Ulnar Nerve Release Or Transposition 1
S/P Radial Nerve Release 1
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WRIST
Impairment
Point value
S/P ORIF - Scaphoid 2
S/P ORIF - Distal Radius 2
S/P Scapholunate Ligament Repair 2
S/P Flexor Tendon Repair 2
S/P Extensor Tendon Repair 2
S/P Total Wrist Arthroplasty Or Fusion 3
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Wrist Surgery
(i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Wrist Instability On Clinical Examination - Moderate Or Greater
(i.e., instability that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to
perform normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming,
dressing, driving, etc.))
2
Loss Of Functional Range Of Motion - Moderate Or Greater (i.e.,
loss of motion that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to
perform normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming,
dressing, driving, etc.)
2
S/P Carpal Tunnel Release 2
Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signicant
loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
3
S/P TFCC Repair 2
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HAND
Impairment
Point value
S/P Thumb Amputation 4
S/P Hand Arthroplasty 3
S/P Finger Amputation 2
S/P ORIF - Metacarpal Or Phalanx Fracture 1
S/P Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair 1
S/P Radial Collateral Ligament Repair 1
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Hand Surgery
(i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Mediolateral Ligamentous Instability - Moderate Or Greater (i.e.,
instability that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to perform
normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing,
driving, etc.))
1
Decreased Range Of Thumb Motion Resulting In Loss Of Grip Or
Pinch Strength - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., loss of grip or pinch
strength that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to perform
normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing,
driving, etc.))
2
Decreased Range Of Finger Motion Resulting In Loss Of Grip Or
Pinch Strength - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., loss of grip or pinch
strength that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to perform
normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing,
driving, etc.))
1
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HIP
Impairment
Point value
S/P Total Hip Arthroplasty 5
S/P Arthroscopic Hip Procedure Including Labral Repair,
Debridement, Removal Of Loose Bodies, or Chondroplasty
3
S/P ORIF - Acetabular Fracture 3
S/P ORIF - Hip Fracture 3
S/P ORIF - Femur Fracture 3
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Hip Surgery
(i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Acetabular Fracture - Closed Treatment 2
Hip Fracture - Closed Treatment 2
Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signicant
loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
3
Loss Of Functional Range Of Motion - Moderate Or Greater (i.e.,
loss of motion that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to
perform normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming,
dressing, driving, etc.)
3
S/P Athletic Pubalgia Repair, Sports Hernia Repair, Or Adductor
Release
2
S/P Proximal Hamstring Repair 2
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KNEE
Impairment
Point value
S/P Total Knee Arthroplasty 5
S/P Unicompartment Knee Arthroplasty 4
S/P Patellectomy 4
S/P ACL Or PCL Reconstruction 4
S/P ACL Or PCL Reconstruction With Partial Meniscectomy(ies)
Or Meniscal Repair(s)
6
S/P ACL Or PCL Reconstruction With Partial Meniscectomy(ies)
Or Meniscal Repair(s) And Microfracture Or Chondral Resurfacing
7
S/P ACL Or PCL Reconstruction With Microfracture Or Chondral
Resurfacing
6
S/P ORIF - Patella Fracture 3
S/P ORIF - Tibial Plateau Fracture 3
S/P ORIF - Distal Femur Fracture 3
S/P Arthroscopy - Microfracture Or Chondral Resurfacing 3
S/P Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction 3
S/P Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction With Partial
Meniscectomy(ies) Or Meniscal Repair(s)
5
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S/P Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction With Microfracture or
Chondral Resurfacing
5
S/P Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction With Partial
Meniscectomy(ies) Or Meniscal Repair(s) And Microfracture Or
Chondral Resurfacing
6
S/P Patellar Tendon Repair 3
S/P Quadriceps Tendon Repair 3
S/P Arthroscopy - Partial Lateral Or Medial Meniscectomy(ies) Or
Meniscal Repair(s)
2
S/P MCL Or LCL Repair 2
S/P MCL Or LCL Repair With Partial Meniscectomy(ies) Or
Meniscal Repair(s)
3
S/P MCL Or LCL Repair With Microfracture Or Chondral
Resurfacing
3
S/P MCL Or LCL Repair With Partial Meniscectomy(ies) Or
Meniscal Repair(s) And Microfracture Or Chondral Resurfacing
4
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Knee Surgery
(i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Symptomatic ACL Or PCL tear 3
Patellar Instability 2
Quadriceps, Hamstring, Adductor, Or Gastroc/Soleus Tear With
Residual Weakness - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., weakness that
signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to perform normal
activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, driving, etc.))
2
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Peripheral Nerve Injury – Moderate Or Greater (i.e., nerve injury
that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to perform normal
activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, dressing, driving, etc.))
1
Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signicant
loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
3
Loss Of Functional Range Of Motion - Moderate Or Greater (i.e.,
loss of motion that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to
perform normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming,
dressing, driving, etc.))
3
S/P Arthroscopy – Chondroplasty Not Performed With Other
Procedures)
1
S/P MCL Or LCL Reconstruction 3
S/P MCL Or LCL Reconstruction With Partial Meniscectomy(ies)
Or Meniscal Repair(s)
4
S/P MCL Or LCL Reconstruction With Microfracture Or Chondral
Resurfacing
4
S/P MCL Or LCL Reconstruction With Partial Meniscectomy(ies)
Or Meniscal Repair(s) And Microfracture Or Chondral Resurfacing
5
S/P Peroneal Nerve Release 1
S/P Arthroscopy – Chondroplasty With Lateral Release 2
S/P Patella Stabilization 3
Symptomatic MCL Tear with Moderate Or Greater Instability 2
Symptomatic LCL Tear 2
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ANKLE
Impairment
Point value
S/P Ankle Fusion 5
S/P ORIF - Ankle Fracture With Or Without Soft Tissue Repair 3
S/P Arthroscopy - Chondroplasty And Microfracture Or Chondral
Resurfacing
3
S/P Achilles Tendon Repair 3
S/P Lateral Ligament Repair Or Reconstruction 3
S/P Deltoid Ligament Repair Or Reconstruction 3
S/P Arthroscopy - Excision Of Spurs For Impingement 3
Closed Or Open Treatment Of Subtalar Dislocation 2
S/P Posterior Tibial Tendon Repair 2
S/P Tibialis Anterior Tendon Repair 2
S/P Peroneal Tendon Repair 2
S/P Tibial Intramedullary Nail Fixation Or ORIF 2
S/P Arthroscopy - Chondroplasty And Removal Of Loose Bodies 2
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S/P Excision Of Os Trigonum 1
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Ankle Surgery
(i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Posterior Tibial Tendon Insuciency 3
Tibialis Anterior Tendon Insuciency 3
Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signicant
loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
3
Loss Of Functional Range of Motion - Moderate Or Greater (i.e.,
loss of motion that signicantly impairs the Player’s ability to
perform normal activities of daily living (bathing, grooming,
dressing, driving, etc.))
3
S/P Syndesmosis Repair 2
S/P Tarsal Tunnel Release 1
FOOT
Impairment
Point value
S/P Subtalar Fusion 5
S/P Great Toe Amputation 4
S/P Lisfranc Joint Fusion 4
S/P ORIF - Lisfranc Injury 3
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S/P ORIF - Navicular Fracture 3
S/P ORIF - Talus Fracture 3
S/P ORIF - Calcaneus Fracture 3
S/P ORIF - Metatarsal Fracture 2
S/P Great Toe Fusion 2
S/P Lesser Toe Amputation 2
S/P Plantar Fascial Release 1
S/P Cheilectomy 1
Each surgical procedure to revise or redo a failed Foot Surgery
(i.e., procedure that did not achieve intended results)
1
Hallux Rigidus - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signicant loss of joint
space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
1
Hind-Foot Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signi-
cant loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
2
Hind-Foot Degenerative Joint Disease - Moderate Or Greater (i.e., signi-
cant loss of joint space as conrmed by clinical examination and x-ray)
2
S/P Morton’s Neuroma Excision 1
S/P Sesamoid Excision 1
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To be eligible for Neurocognitive Disability Plan benets, you must sign a release conrming that you
will not sue the League, any NFL Club, their employees or aliates in an action alleging head and/
or brain injury. This waiver is voided if your application is permanently denied or if you never receive
neurocognitive benets due to receipt of other Disability Plan benets.
Following is the text of the release:
In consideration for the benet provided under Article 65 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
between the NFL Management Council and the NFLPA, Player, on his own behalf and on behalf of
his personal representatives, heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, estate, assigns, and/or any
person or entity on his behalf, hereby waives and releases and forever discharges the NFL and its
Clubs, and their respective past, current, and future aliates, directors, ocers, owners, stockholders,
trustees, partners, servants, and employees (excluding persons employed as players by a Club) and
all of their respective predecessors, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “NFL Releasees”) of
and from any and all claims, actions, causes of actions, liabilities, suits, demands, damages, losses,
payments, judgments, debts, dues, sums of money, costs and expenses, accounts, in law or equity,
contingent or non-contingent, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected (“Claims”) that the
Player has, had, may now have, or may have in the future arising out of, relating to, or in connection
with any head and/or brain injury sustained during his employment by the Club, including without
limitation head and/or brain injury of whatever cause and its damages (whether short-term, long-
term, or death) whenever arising, including without limitation neurocognitive decits of any degree,
and Player covenants not to sue the NFL Releasees with respect to any such Claim or pursue any such
APPENDIX B
– Neurocognitive
Disability Release,
Waiver, and Covenant
not to Sue
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Claim against the NFL Releasees in any forum. This release, waiver, and covenant not to sue includes
without limitation all Claims arising under the tort laws of any state and extends to all damages
(including without limitation short-term and/or long-term eects of such injury and death) whenever
arising, including without limitation after execution of this release, waiver, and covenant not to sue.
Player further acknowledges that he has read and understands section 1542 of the California Civil
Code, which reads as follows:
A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist
in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially
aected his settlement with the debtor.
Player expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benets under that section and any law
of any jurisdiction of similar eect with respect to the release of any unknown or unsuspected
claims released hereunder that Player may have against the NFL Releasees. This release, waiver and
covenant not to sue shall have no eect upon any right that Player may have to insurance or other
benets available under (1) any Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL Management
Council and the NFLPA, (2) the Final Class Action Settlement in In re: National Football League Players’
Concussion Injury Litigation, Civ. Action No. 2:12-md-02323-AB, MDL No. 2323, or (3) the workers’
compensation laws, and Player acknowledges and agrees that such rights, if any, are his sole and
exclusive remedies for any Claims.
Player acknowledges and agrees that the provision of the benet under Article 65 shall not be
construed as an admission or concession by the NFL Releasees or any of them that NFL football
caused or causes, in whole or in part, the medical conditions covered by the benet, or as an
admission of liability or wrongdoing by the NFL Releasees or any of them, and the NFL Releasees
expressly deny any such admission, concession, liability, or wrongdoing.
APPENDIX B NEUROCOGNITIVE DISABILITY RELEASE, WAIVER, AND COVENANT NOT
TO SUE
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If you were awarded T&P benets from the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan (“Pension
Plan”) in the Active Football, Active Nonfootball, or Inactive A categories before January 1, 2015,
aportion of your benet is paid by the Pension Plan and the remaining portion is paid from the
Disability Plan.
The chart below shows the amounts payable from each Plan to many Players. A Player whose Disability
Credits under the Pension Plan are higher than $4,000 will receive less from this Plan but will still receive
the same Total Combined amount shown below. For example, a Player who receives $5,000 from the
Pension Plan will receive $6,250 in Inactive A T&P benets from this Plan, but will still receive a total of
$11,250.
The portion paid from this Plan ceases eective April 1, 2021 unless this Plan is amended.
APPENDIX C
– Players awarded
T&P benets from
the Pension Plan
before January 1, 2015
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T&P
Benet
Category
T&P BENEFIT PAYABLE
T&P BENEFIT PAYABLE
Eective April 1, 2021
Pension
Plan
Disability
Plan
Total
Combined
Pension
Plan
Disability
Plan
Active
Football
$4,000 $18,084 $22,084
$4,000 $0
Active
Nonfootball
$4,000 $9,750 $13,750 $4,000 $0
Inactive A $4,000 $7,250 $11,250 $4,000 $0
The rules in this area are complex and may cause your benets to be lower than the total combined
amounts shown in the table. This may occur, for example, if:
• you took an Early Payment Benet under the Pension Plan,
• your T&P benets began on or after your Normal Retirement Date,
• you have Special Credits under the Pension Plan, or
• a portion of your benets are subject to a Qualied Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO.
Special Rules exist for Players who were receiving T&P benets immediately before September 1,
2011, and September 1, 2014, so that they do not have a benet reduction from certain changes to the
Pension Plan that went into eect as of those dates.
Your rights to T&P benets, including your rights to continued eligibility and requests for
reclassication, are governed by the Pension Plan.
If you have any questions about T&P benets awarded before January 1, 2015, refer to the Pension Plan
documents or contact the NFL Player Benets Oce.
APPENDIX C PLAYERS AWARDED T&P BENEFITS FROM THE PENSION PLAN BEFORE
JANUARY 1, 2015
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NFL Player Benets Oce
200 St. Paul Street, Suite 2420
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Questions? 800.638.3186
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