· 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

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.

• 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.

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

Rachel highlights that treatable conditions such as