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NFL launches mental health clinician network for players and families

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 8:00 PM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

NFL launches mental health clinician network for players and families

Summary

The NFL is launching a network of offsite clinicians accessible to players and their families beginning September 1. This initiative follows the league's commitment to enhance mental health resources in response to recent player suicides. The move also includes the requirement for teams to hire full-time mental health clinicians. NFL vice president Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti emphasized the network's goal of removing barriers to accessing mental health support. Players will have the option to use both in-house and offsite resources.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Network provides access to vetted clinicians in every NFL city.
•Players can connect with offsite providers independently or through in-house clinicians.
•Initiative follows NFL's response to player mental health crises.
•Teams must now staff full-time mental health clinicians.
•Network visits are covered at 100% for players and families.

Latest Updates

8:00 PMYahoo Sports — As mental health concerns spike, NFL launches network to provide offsite clinicians to players and their families

What they're saying

"
The network launch comes in the wake of a spring announcement by the league to increase mental health resources in three tiers following the deaths by suicide of the Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland and the Vikings' Rondale Moore last November and February, respectively.
— Yahoo Sportsby Jori Epstein

Related Teams & Leagues

Minnesota Vikings NFL Football