NFL Initiatives Facilitate Career Transition for Former Players

Eric Lee, an NFL linebacker who played from 2016 to 2020 and participated in a Super Bowl, began proactively preparing for his post-football life during his early career. Similarly, Johnson Bademosi spent nearly a decade in the league before transitioning to a financial analyst role at an asset management firm following a developmental fellowship at the NFL headquarters. Brandin Dandridge, who had a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, recently embarked on a new career in sales after completing a technology training and career transition program designed specifically for NFL retirees. These individuals illustrate the impact of the NFL’s Player Care Foundation, established in 2018 to support former players as they navigate new career paths. The foundation offers a variety of resources including resume evaluations, career coaching, predictive index assessments, job matching services, interview preparation, certification programs, and access to an annual career fair conducted in conjunction with the Super Bowl. Lee reflects on the value of personalized guidance throughout this process: “Though I could have managed my resume and certain tasks independently, having professionals review and advise on my journey was invaluable. Sometimes we think we must handle everything alone, but the human element behind these services made all the difference. People genuinely care and have supported me at every step.” After attending a virtual American Heart Association session hosted by the Player Care Foundation in late 2023, Lee secured a position as a development director three months later. “This role connects me to a purpose larger than myself,” he said. “Working within a substantial nonprofit organization, engaging with volunteers, and finding fulfillment here has been unexpected yet enriching. While I no longer experience the adrenaline of game day or celebrations with teammates, this new chapter offers a distinct type of satisfaction.” Johnson Bademosi’s transition involved a fellowship in NFL football operations in 2023, which paved the way for his current analyst role at Blue Owl Capital. He expressed appreciation for the experience: “It provided a bridge between my playing career and understanding the operational and financial mechanisms of the league and its support systems.” He underscores the significance of the NFL’s financial education initiatives in directing him toward his new profession and actively promotes these programs to peers. “The foundation fosters a community where players explore interests, build necessary networking skills, and prepare comprehensively for careers beyond football,” Bademosi stated. Dandridge’s engagement with NFL resources began after learning about eligibility from a former teammate. He subsequently completed the Microsoft Leap program, an intensive eight-week training focused on imparting technical skills relevant to the technology industry. “Recognizing this opportunity as crucial, I approached it with dedication from day one and developed a strong affinity for the field,” he remarked. Since its inception in 2007, the NFL Player Care Foundation has supported 2,741 former athletes and allocated $21.7 million toward initiatives that enhance their post-football quality of life. A.J. Forbes, the foundation’s program coordinator, highlighted the program’s personalized approach: “Despite operating at scale, we maintain individualized support for each player. This personalization is our strength, fostering remarkable outcomes. We firmly believe that the skills cultivated through football—during preparation, active career, and retirement—are transferable and valuable in corporate environments.”