NFL hosts 'Bridge to Success' to assist players in transition

More Than 170 Former Players, Spouses and Significant Others to Participate in Four-Day Transition Program 

Includes Interview Opportunities with Fortune 500 Companies

More than 170 former NFL players and their spouses and significant others will take part in the NFL’s Bridge to Success Program October 21-24 in Grapevine, TX. The annual four-day program will address the physical, psychological, and social aspects associated with transitioning out of the game.

“Every player eventually faces the challenge of transition, and no athlete should go it alone,” said ARTHUR MCAFEE, NFL Senior Vice President of Player Engagement. “We share a responsibility with our athletes in working together to utilize the tools and resources to set them on the path to a successful transition.”

This year’s Bridge to Success includes new sessions dedicated to spouses and significant others. Bridge to Success is one of several training platforms that NFL Player Engagement offers to empower and equip former players for their post-NFL experiences. 

“Making the transition out of the game of football is a difficult experience – mentally, physically and emotionally. We want to provide players and their families with support along the way,” said KEITH ELIAS, Director of NFL Player Engagement. “Through Bridge to Success, we’re able to provide resources to assist and empower NFL families throughout their journey and set them up for success in their post-NFL experiences.”

Bridge to Success – presented by NFL Player Engagement– will feature sessions pertaining to career development, family and relationships, fitness and nutrition, financial success and much more. At the end of the weekend, participants will have interview opportunities with Fortune 500 companies.

The program will kick off with a keynote speech by Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame OT and founder of GamesOver.org KEN RUETTGERS. The weekend also will include a panel discussion moderated by DWIGHT HOLLIER, NFL Vice President of Clinical Services and Wellness, featuring NFL Legends DON DAVIS, SCOTTIE GRAHAM and HANNIBAL NAVIES, along with SONYA MASON, wife of Eddie Mason. Other featured speakers include US Army Major RODNEY JACKSON, Dallas Cowboys Mental Health Consultant DR. JACQUI STEPHENS and Intuit CEO BRAD SMITH.  

NFL Certified Transition Coaches, including STEVE FITZHUGH, MIKE HAYNES, EDDIE MASON, FREDDIE SCOTT, and LEONARD WHEELER, who are trained in life transitions, mental health first aid, relationship management and applied suicide intervention skills, will be on-hand to provide peer-to-peer support for participating players.

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About NFL Player Engagement

NFL Player Engagement assists players in reaching their highest potential on and off-the-field with guidance, support, and resources provided during and after their NFL experiences. NFL Player Engagement reaches more than 2,000 NFL players and spouses each year through a variety of programs and services focused on career development, financial and continuing education, transition, as well as personal, psychological, and physical wellness. To learn more about NFL Player Engagement, visit nflplayerengagement.com.