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NFL 88 Plan

Care for the player who gave everything.

The 88 Plan helps pay for the care of vested former NFL players living with dementia, ALS or Parkinson’s disease. Named for Hall of Famer John Mackey, #88.

What it pays

Up to $185,000 a year toward care

$185,000
per year
In-patient care at an institution
$165,000
per year
Care at home
$10,000
one time
Reasonable burial expenses
$10,000
per year
For Neurocognitive benefit recipients

Covers medical and custodial care related to the condition: assisted living or memory care, in-home care, doctor visits, transportation, medical equipment, prescriptions and home modifications. No proof that football caused the condition is required.

Who qualifies

Two things must be true

Families often start this process on the player’s behalf. A spouse or authorized representative can apply.

01
Vested former player

Vested in the NFL Player Retirement Plan through credited seasons (generally 3 or more) or a Total & Permanent disability award.

02
A qualifying diagnosis

Dementia, ALS or Parkinson’s disease, as determined by the 88 Plan. Dementia caused primarily by substance abuse doesn’t qualify.

Receiving the Neurocognitive benefit?

Players awarded the NFL Neurocognitive Disability Benefit are automatically eligible for up to $10,000 a year from the 88 Plan for medical care related to their impairment, even without a dementia diagnosis.

How we help

You focus on him. We handle the paperwork.

01
Free review

We confirm the player’s vested status and look at every NFL benefit he may be owed.

02
Gather records

We help collect the medical records the 88 Committee needs to consider the application.

03
Apply

We help prepare and submit a complete application, and prepare you for any neutral physician exam.

04
Get reimbursed

Once approved, we help you submit care expenses on time so nothing is left on the table.

Good to know: care provided by the player’s spouse, sibling or child isn’t reimbursed, and expense claims must generally be submitted within 12 months of the care or bill.

Free 88 Plan review

Find out if your family qualifies

Tell us a little about the player. Our team will reach out within one business day to walk you through next steps, at no cost.

  • No obligation
  • Players or family members can submit
  • We’ll also check other NFL benefits he may be owed
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Questions

88 Plan FAQ

Vested former players (vested through credited seasons or a Total & Permanent disability award) who are determined to have dementia, ALS or Parkinson’s disease.

Up to $185,000 per year for in-patient institutional care, or up to $165,000 per year for care at home, plus up to $10,000 in burial expenses.

No. The 88 Plan does not require proof that the condition was caused by playing football.

Players awarded the Neurocognitive Disability Benefit are automatically eligible for up to $10,000 per year from the 88 Plan for medical care related to their neurocognitive impairment.

Yes. A spouse or authorized representative can apply and submit claims on the player’s behalf.

No. Care provided by the player’s spouse, sibling or child is not reimbursed.

Based on the NFL/NFLPA 88 Plan document. Limits shown apply beginning with the 2025 Plan Year. The plan document governs. Legacy Pro Sports is not affiliated with the NFL, the NFLPA or the 88 Plan.