The toll of the sport extended beyond the field. He has been diagnosed with brain damage and precursors to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition Mayo Clinic defines as a brain disease likely caused by repeated head injuries, marked by progressive degeneration of brain cells.
Jasmatia Schafering has voiced deep frustration over the lack of long-term support for players after their careers end. She notes that NFL insurance eventually expires, leaving families to navigate specialized medical issues on their own, with standard doctors often ill-equipped to handle the complexities of sports-related trauma and surgeries that don’t heal properly.
Financial realities compound the medical strain. She explains that salaries can be heavily taxed, with agent fees and team expenses eating into earnings, creating a mismatch when medical bills accumulate over years as players and their families struggle to manage chronic conditions.
Rather than vilify the league, Jasmatia says she hopes to partner with the NFL to fix systemic issues and expand resources for players and families affected by brain trauma. She emphasizes a need for better long-term coverage and support to prevent and manage severe injuries.
Beyond the medical and financial challenges, the Schaeferings’ story highlights the personal impact of retirement. Brian’s conditions include PTSD, severe depression, and paranoia at times, which led doctors to recommend a service dog. A GoFundMe raised $3,000 in 2016 to fund Niklaus, a two-year-old Dutch Shepherd, with support from former teammate Tony Patnos and others, while Jasmatia educated herself on brain health and disability benefits, underscoring a broader call for improved care and resources for NFL families.
