NFL disability program leaves retired Saints tight end hurting and angry

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The NFL disability program has left retired Saints tight end Boo Williams in a state of pain and frustration. Each morning, he faces uncertainty about how pain will affect him, ranging from debilitating headaches to neck pain. Despite being awarded $5,000 a month by the NFL’s disability benefit plan, Williams believes he should have received much more over the past 14 years.

Boo Williams, who played for the Saints from 2001-2005, resides in Picayune, Mississippi, and requires surgery, medication, and medical care for his injuries. He highlights the challenges of affording these treatments, and the ongoing battle to receive what he believes he deserves has taken a toll on his well-being.

This situation isn’t unique to Williams; many retired players find themselves entangled in a complex web of legal procedures and bureaucracy while struggling to obtain benefits from the NFL’s Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan. The program has faced criticism for high rates of claim denials and suspicions that doctors, who evaluate players, may be influenced by their association with the NFL plan.

In recent developments, a lawsuit involving ten players, including retired Pro Bowl running back Willis McGahee, accuses the program of unfairly denying benefits to injured retirees. Their attorneys argue that doctors’ compensation appears to correlate with the number of benefit denials, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.

Williams’ own journey through the claims system began in 2009 when he sought benefits for football-related injuries. Initially, it seemed he would receive monthly payments, but an unexpected downgrade in the severity of one of his injuries by an orthopedic doctor assigned by the NFL Disability Plan Director led to years of frustration and depression.

Despite the NFL’s assertion that its disability program is administered fairly, stories like Williams’ continue to raise concerns about the program’s effectiveness and fairness.

Williams’ approval for disability payments came after a neuropsychologist deemed him totally and permanently disabled based on psychiatric impairments. However, he received a lower benefit level than if he had been approved earlier in his retirement. Williams appealed this decision, arguing that the medical information used for his approval was identical to a 2019 application that had been rejected.

In addition to the challenges of navigating the NFL’s disability program, Williams has faced personal struggles, including depression and difficulty affording medical care for his injuries. His story sheds light on the ongoing issues facing retired NFL players and the need for improvements in the system.

It is essential to note that this story contains discussions of sensitive topics, including suicide, and provides contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for those who may need assistance.

As a journalist specializing in various fields, including sports, you may find it valuable to explore this issue further and investigate the broader implications of the NFL’s disability program on retired players’ lives and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NFL Disability Program

More about NFL Disability Program

• NFL Player Disability & Neurocognitive Benefit Plan
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline