Nov. 25, 2025

Behind the Helmet: Caring for the Families Who Care for NFL Players

Show Notes

· This is the link to our health checklist which we mentioned several times: https://footballplayershealth.harvard.edu/for-former-players/tackling-personal-health/

· The NFL LifeLine can be found here: https://www.nfllifeline.org/

Episode Title: Behind the Helmet: Caring for the Families Who Care for NFL Players

Podcast: The Sharegiving Secret

Host: Deborah S. Greenhut, PhD

Guests:

Rachel Grashow, ScD – Director of Epidemiological Research Initiatives, Football Players Health Study at Harvard University
Alicia Whittington, DrPH – Assistant Director of Engagement & Health Equity Research
Niki Konstantinides, PhD – FEM-FL Co-lead, Postdoctoral Researcher
Paula Atkeson – Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
(Christy Glass, PhD—discussed but not present)

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-football-players-health-study-at-harvard-university

X - https://x.com/PlayersStudy

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PlayersStudy

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/playersstudy/

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@playersstudy

Episode Overview

In this powerful conversation, host Deborah Greenhut sits down with members of the Harvard Football Players Health Study (FPHS) and the FEM-FL project (Family Experiences Managing Football Lives) to explore the untold story of caregiving in professional football families.

Drawing from cutting-edge epidemiological research, community-based engagement strategies, and the lived experiences of wives and partners of former NFL players, the team reveals what really happens after the game ends—and the stadium lights go dark.

Together, they unpack the emotional, physical, and relational burden shouldered by sports spouses, offering practical tools, startling findings, and hopeful guidance for caregivers everywhere—whether supporting a former athlete, first responder, military veteran, or loved one navigating complex health needs.

Key Themes & Insights

1. Caregiver Burden Is Predictable—and Preventable

Niki explains that caregiver burden is strongly predicted by:
Number of relocations
Player’s lineman status
Fear of CTE
Caregiver’s own health
Marital satisfaction levels
Caregivers reporting satisfaction in their marriage showed dramatically lower burden scores.

2. Post-Career Transitions Are a Critical Health Window

Paula emphasizes that families suddenly lose integrated medical support when players retire. Actionable resources—like FPHS checklists—help families build continuity of care.

3. Head Injury Isn’t the Whole Story

Rachel highlights that treatable conditions such as sleep apnea, obesity, chronic pain, and hypertension play a huge role in long-term cognitive and cardiovascular outcomes.

4. Racial Health Disparities Are Real and Persistent

Alicia shares striking findings: Black former players report worse health outcomes across five health indicators—even after controlling for BMI, career length, and position.

5. Sports Spouses Hold Both Visibility and Invisibility

NFL wives and partners are hyper-visible in public narratives—but often invisible in caregiving, mental health, and long-term planning conversations.

6. The Health Checklist as a Relationship Tool

Families report using the FPHS checklist not just for medical guidance—but to open deeper conversations about physical and emotional wellbeing.

7. Early Preparation Matters—Emotionally and Practically

Deborah and Rachel discuss the importance of planning for caregiving roles, especially as dementia or mobility issues may appear at younger ages in sports families.

8. Support Networks Reduce Isolation

Social connections—other sports spouses, extended family, community groups—are essential for emotional resilience and preventing spouse burnout.

Practical Takeaways for Caregivers

Use the FPHS Health Checklist as a starting point with healthcare providers (linked below).
Address chronic pain, sleep apnea, and blood pressure early—they are modifiable risks.
Build a social support system before crisis hits.
Track symptoms, treatments, and health data through relocations.
Accept help. Independence doesn’t mean isolation.
Prioritize your own health—your wellbeing is a predictor of your partner’s.
Strengthen marital communication; it protects emotional load.

Key Quotes

“Marital satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of lower caregiver burden.” — Niki Konstantinides
“Former players can improve their futures by addressing modifiable factors today.” — Rachel Grashow
“Black former NFL players experience worse health outcomes—even when controlling for everything else.” — Alicia Whittington
“Families need support the moment the player leaves the league. That’s when the real work begins.” — Paula Atkeson
“Caregiving remains invisible—even in families who are constantly in the spotlight.” — Rachel Grashow

Resources Mentioned

FPHS Health Checklist for Former NFL Players
FEM-FL Website
Sleep apnea and cardiovascular screening resources
Caregiver support networks
Mental health and community-based services