NFL Player Retirement Benefits

Today, the NFL is one of the most popular sports in America. It is a league where players make astronomical salaries and are considered role models in society. Recently tough, the league has had to deal with many issues such as the Michael Vick case, steroids, and players getting into trouble with the law. These issues have created unnecessary controversy for the league and is a big distraction to the game. One issue that faces the league is the NFL players and their retirement benefits. Its a situation that seems to be an ongoing struggle where both sides are having a tough time coming up with a compromise. Players feel that the NFL is not compensating them for their services and are feeling cheated and forgotten. The question that should be asked when looking at this story is Are retired players expecting too much from the NFL? In my opinion, I think the retired players are becoming a hindrance on the NFL. Former players like Joe DeLamielleure, Henry Cason, and Willie Wood are bashing the NFL saying they are not providing enough money to help retirees. In addition to their argument about money players like to blame their injury's on the NFL. Why would you blame and hold the NFL accountable for your injuries? The NFL is a high risk profession and the likelihood of injury is high. In contrast to the belief that the NFL doesn't give out enough money the NFL Players Association's goal is to ensure financial security. According to www.nflpa.org the players association sets up a four-track plan that gives athletes the money they need. Step 1 is a severance pay plan where a person with two credited seasons will receive $10,000 for every year he played. Step 2 is the Annuity Program where players with 4 or more credited seasons will receive $65,000 and can receive a distribution at 35 or five years after. Step 3 is the NFL Player's Second Career Savings Plan where a maximum club contribution can reach 20,000 with nine types of investment funds and Step 4 is the Bert/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan where players can receive benefits for each credited season they play. These are only a few benefits that the NFL offers and I don't see where the players are coming from. Although, it is an important process the NFL is doing what they can to help. The NFL is a tough sport and players might need more help, but constantly bashing the NFL is not the answer.