An NFL star on what the game costs those who play it
Feb 17, 2025
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Dominique Foxworth, a former NFL player and president of the NFL Players Association, dives deep into the hidden costs of professional football. He candidly discusses the severe physical and mental toll on players, particularly the long-term effects of injuries and CTE. Foxworth also addresses the stark racial and economic disparities players face compared to team owners, along with the inadequacies in support for retired athletes. This engaging conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles behind the glamour of the NFL.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) poses severe mental health risks for former NFL players, including depression and memory loss.
The negotiations between NFL players and team owners reveal a significant power imbalance, highlighting systemic inequities in player welfare and support.
Deep dives
Impact of CTE on Former Players
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) significantly affects former NFL players, leading to various mental health issues such as memory loss, impulsive behavior, and depression. Players are at a higher risk of experiencing these degenerative brain diseases due to repeated head injuries sustained during their careers. Many retired players grapple with the devastating consequences, with some even determining suicide as a means to have their brains studied post-mortem. This serious issue highlights the long-term impacts of the sport that are often overlooked, as many current players remain unaware of the risks associated with their profession.
Struggles with the NFL's Management
Negotiations between former players and the NFL often reveal a stark power imbalance, as players advocate for better healthcare and support while facing resistance from team owners. Dominique Foxworth, a former player and head of the NFL Players Association, recalls contentious discussions where the league's willingness to provide health benefits for retired players was minimal. The league's tactics often included attempts to shift healthcare responsibilities away from the teams, which underscores a perception that players are viewed merely as assets. Despite players risking their health for the game, the NFL's hesitance to offer long-term support illustrates a significant lack of respect for their well-being.
Socioeconomic Dynamics in Football
The socio-economic disparities between players and team owners reveal deeper issues within the NFL's structure, reflecting broader societal inequalities. While players, often from minority backgrounds, face health issues and financial uncertainty after their careers, team owners usually belong to a privileged class of wealthy individuals. The cultural perception of players as expendable assets ties into the broader narrative of American life, emphasizing racial and class dynamics that contribute to players feeling undervalued. This systemic inequity complicates discussions around player health and safety, revealing that despite the emotional appeals for support, the owners prioritize profits over player welfare.
Dominique Foxworth played in the NFL from 2005 to 2011. After he retired, he went on to become the head of the NFL Players' Association, the union that represents players in the league. In this conversation, he describes what it was like sitting across from the league's lawyers, advocating for things like players' health care at a time when the risks of playing football were becoming clearer. NOTE: This episode includes discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 9 8 8 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.