The biggest day in professional football has arrived—Super Bowl LIX! While fans kick back, enjoy game day snacks, and cheer on their favorite teams, it’s worth reflecting on the immense physical toll this game takes on the athletes. For NFL players, their bodies are their most vital tool, enduring extreme stress and a constant risk of injury in every game and practice. What many don’t realize is that these athletes are workers, just like anyone else. They deserve protection and support under workers’ compensation laws to safeguard their well-being both on and off the field. So what does workers’ compensation look like for professional footballers?
NFL players are eligible for workers’ compensation. Even better, this coverage extends to all professional athletes, not just those in football. If an athlete gets injured while practicing or playing, which is a far too common occurrence, they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help them recover and move forward.
Similar to all other occupations, NFL players must prove that the injury occurred on the job. The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), the union for NFL players, recommends keeping an injury log. Track the injury from the date of occurrence through progress and treatment, taking detailed notes and pictures throughout.
The list of injuries that an NFL player may sustain is extensive, with serious incidents possible on nearly every play. Among the most common are head injuries and lower-body impairments. In recent years, the conversation surrounding football-related injuries has expanded to include a critical focus on mental health. The long-term effects of repeated head trauma, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), are often severe and remain underreported. The NFLPA has committed to funding advanced CTE research, partnering with leading universities to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and illnesses among players.
The Super Bowl amplifies the risk of injury as players face immense physical and psychological pressure, pushing their bodies to the brink. Given football’s profound influence on our culture and economy, it’s crucial to prioritize the preparation, protection, and preservation of professional athletes for peak performance. Whether it’s a minor impact, a career-ending injury, or an unseen mental health challenge, professional players deserve the support and security of workers’ compensation.
As millions of fans gear up for the excitement of the Super Bowl, it’s easy to overlook a critical aspect of professional football: the complex world of workers’ compensation for NFL players. Behind the glamour of touchdowns and championship rings lies the harsh reality of workplace injuries, which can affect athletes long after the final whistle blows!