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The NFL is a sports league watched by billions and has several regulatory rules. It features 32 franchises looking to lift the Lombardi trophy at the end of the season. These franchises are fiercely competitive, so players are likely going to get injured quite often.
So what happens when a player sustains an injury while playing football? Are they paid before, during or after the injury? Moreover, who foots the medical bill at the end of the day? Is it the player or the franchise? Keep reading to find answers to the above questions and then some.
Do NFL players get paid when they're injured?
While the Collective Bargaining Agreement gives players some security, protecting themselves through player-specific contracts they sign with the franchise is vital. The NFL is a capital-intensive business, so players must ensure they have legal rights when injured. The team view them as less profitable or non-performing assets and may eventually release them with or without compensation.
Players can have a guarantee clause inserted into their contracts to assure them of receiving a certain amount of money when they're out injured. This protection applies if they suffer "football-related injuries." The CBA ensures that the franchise must pay players while they rehab for their injury and provide salary continuation for the year the injury happens.
Who pays for the NFL players' medical bills?
When a player gets injured, he's examined by the franchise doctor, who determines whether he can play football. The CBA also ensures that he has the right to seek a second opinion and that the club will pay for that.
If an operation is needed, he can choose the surgeon after consulting with the club physician. The CBA makes sure the team pays for all medical bills. The money a player receives while injured or recovering from an injury depends on what's agreed in their contract.
Note that if a player is injured while exercising at a facility outside franchise supervision, it's considered as falling under "non-football injuries", so such players won't gain from the protection given by the National Football League Players Association. With non-football injuries, it's up to the franchise whether the player will be paid or not.
What is the NFLPA’s role in protecting players?
The National Football League Players Association is tasked with securing protection for injured players, among other duties. Being part of the players’ union ensures that a player is covered by the CBA, giving them some medical rights.
However, that's as good as the NFLPA can do, as players are advised to sign contracts that guarantee a healthy sum of money if they get injured. This injury guarantee is a form of insurance in an unforgiving sport like the National Football League.
