Football Players Health Study at Harvard University

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Football Players Health Study at Harvard University

The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University is a series of initiatives that focus on player health: the whole player, the whole life.

The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University is a series of studies that focus on the whole player, the whole life.

03/26/2026

"As you transition out of the league, make sure you have a primary care physician - and have a good relationship with them."

Bernard Whittington
Former NFL Defensive End/Tackle
Player Advisor, Football Players Health Study

03/24/2026

Did you know?

When blood pressure is elevated over long periods, there’s a risk of heart attack and stroke. You can also have challenges with thinking and memory. In fact, elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to many other health problems including kidney failure, loss of vision, and others.

The good news is that hypertension can be treated and managed to reduce these risks: https://playersstudy.me/overunder

03/23/2026

Learning about your playing history, physical & mental health, quality of life, & medical history helps us understand how a career in the NFL impacts players. We can then continue to identify areas of player health most in need of further study.

Join us to get back in the game: playersstudy.me/cj3

03/19/2026

"We often talk about football being a brotherhood, being a fraternity, and that's what this [Football Players Health Study] also is. It's another opportunity to serve your fellow players. It's another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others."

Lester Archambeau
Former NFL Defensive End
Player Advisor, Football Players Health Study

03/18/2026

In case you missed it: One of our studies from 2023 found that the risk of high blood pressure gradually increased with more concussion symptoms, even after taking into account smoking, older age, diabetes, race, and elevated BMI in former NFL players.

What can you do? Our results suggest that screening and proactive hypertension treatment, even in relatively young former players, may reduce the risk of heart disease and cognitive impairment.

Read more of our action items in this summary of our study results. playersstudy.me/8u1

03/16/2026

ACL tears frequently occur during the football playing years and may have important implications for long-term health.

Read more about our findings and take away some joint-friendly tips for maintaining & improving your heart health: playersstudy.me/acl-heart

03/15/2026

Calling all former NFL Players

Join our study today to help make an impact on your health, the health of your former teammates, and those that play after you: playersstudy.me/joinps

03/12/2026

The size of your personal social network can impact your health: Our findings point to possible life longevity, reduced incidence of dementia, & improvements for Alzheimer’s patients.

Read our results & resources: playersstudy.me/pnrr

03/10/2026

Tips to diffuse stress in the moment:

1. Count to 10 before you speak or react.
2. Take a few slow, deep breaths until you feel your body un-clench a bit.
3. Try a quick meditation or prayer to get some perspective.
4. Turn on some chill music or a podcast.
5. Work out or do something active.

Learn more: playersstudy.me/vu8

03/06/2026

Health checklist for former players: Blood pressure or hypertension?

Prevention and treatment options include exercise, medication, weight loss, lifestyle changes, diet, and finding community. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.

https://playersstudy.me/cklist

03/04/2026

Who can participate in our study?

- All former NFL players, all positions, who played in 1960 or since then.

- Former players on practice squads and those who played just one season or several.

- Both healthy former players, as well as those who face health challenges. We need everyone to make this study a success.

Join us today: playersstudy.me/joinps

03/03/2026

New: Watch panels from our recent half-day event for NFL players and their families ahead of Super Bowl LX.

Topics include chronic pain, cardiovascular resilience, & mental health: playersstudy.me/efp

Address

Countway Library/695 Huntington Avenue, Suite 659
Boston, MA
02115

Telephone

(617) 432-5000

Website

http://footballplayershealth.harvard.edu/

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