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.

12/23/2025

At the core of our study: Health questionnaires. Because we need to hear from you.

Former players: Your responses provide us with vital information including demographics, health conditions, physical function and ability, mental wellbeing, playing history, habits, and more.

A diversity of responses matters - across age groups, playing years, and health status (those who are healthy and those who have health challenges).

In analyzing the data, we're learning how player health changes over time. Join the study by filling out our first questionnaire (Q1), and you’ll receive follow-up questionnaires later: playersstudy.me/psap

12/22/2025

We know that exercise is important in preserving muscle strength, keeping your heart strong, maintaining a healthy body weight, & staving off chronic illnesses, but it can also boost your thinking skills.

Read more about how exercise boosts your memory and thinking skills, both directly & indirectly: playersstudy.me/3gl

12/21/2025

Former NFL players - your days on the field as a teammate may be over, but you can still be part of a team. Join us, and more than 4,800 other former players, as we tackle player health.

Join us: playersstudy.me/joinps

12/18/2025

"My fears about CTE were paralyzing at times. Because of the study, I now understand that many of the symptoms I had assumed were the result of CTE could more easily be attributed to other causes. My new found knowledge has diminished those fears significantly."

John Sinnott
Former NFL Offensive Tackle
Player Advisor, Football Players Health Study

12/17/2025

Research and resources: Former NFL players who experienced substantial weight gain between high school football & professional play may be at a higher risk for later-life disease.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about action steps you can take to be proactive about your health: playersstudy.me/jbc

12/16/2025

Did you know?

Thinking or memory issues can result from a number of conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

Use our checklist to talk with your provider about your health: playersstudy.me/cklist

12/14/2025

Former NFL Players: Join us today.

Do it for your health, the health of your former teammates, and future generations of players.

playersstudy.me/joinps

12/12/2025

History of Concussions & Risks

Heart & metabolic diseases are common among former NFL players:

- Heart disease: high blood pressure &/or high cholesterol

- Metabolic disease: diabetes or high blood sugar

These conditions can lead to stroke & blood vessel diseases and can impact thinking, memory, & concentration.

Our recent findings:

-Players 40 & younger who reported high numbers of concussion symptoms during playing years were 3X more likely to report hypertension later in life

-These players were also more likely to report one or more heart & metabolic diseases

-Concussion symptoms during playing years correlate with later-onset hypertension & high cholesterol. No correlation was found with diabetes.

No matter what: Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, & high cholesterol are treatable conditions.

What can you do?

-Frequently monitor blood pressure & discuss results with your doctor.

-Use our checklist, designed specifically to guide your conversations with healthcare providers.

-Be proactive about maintaining healthy blood pressure.

-For health concerns, request referrals from your physician.

Read more about these results & actions you can take: playersstudy.me/hcr

12/11/2025

Spread the word.

Our study team is actively conducting research on many aspects of player health. These include a comparison study with brothers of former NFL players; hypertension; an in-person assessment study on early aging; & a biodata initiative.

Check out our Active Projects to learn more, and fill out our contact form to find out all the ways you may be eligible to participate: playersstudy.me/psap

12/10/2025

"The study has put together a great list that you can use to talk with your doctor about things that you need to check on, tests that you need to run, & things that you need to be aware of because you'd played in the NFL."

Sarah Hasselbeck
Family Advisor

12/09/2025

New: Recently, members of our study team were invited on the Sharegiving Secret podcast to engage in a conversation around the role of caregiving in NFL families. ⁠
⁠
Learn more about our research, as well as practical tools and guidance for families of NFL players: playersstudy.me/54a8bd
⁠
Interviewed:⁠
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* Rachel Grashow (Director of Epidemiological Research Initiatives)⁠
* Alicia Whittington (Director of Engagement & Health Equity Research)⁠
* Niki Konstantinides (Research Associate)⁠
* Paula Atkeson (Player Engagement and Outreach Project Coordinator)

12/08/2025

When you think of football, you remember the camaraderie, both on & off the field. Take part in our comprehensive research study dedicated to addressing the health & wellbeing of former NFL players.

Join our team: playersstudy.me/joinps

Address

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

Telephone

(617) 432-5000

Website

http://footballplayershealth.harvard.edu/

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