Hall of Fame to establish health program for players

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — The Pro Football Hall of Fame has formed Hall of Fame Health to pursue healthcare for former players.

After more than two years of planning and development, the program was announced Thursday. It will seek to develop services and solutions that will make an impact not only in the health and wellness of former players, but in communities across the country.

Sovereign Healthcare, based in Mission Viejo, California, has joined with the hall and will work closely with Hall of Fame chief partnership officer Pat Lindesmith. Sovereign CEO Jeremy Hogue will also become the CEO of Hall of Fame Health. In addition, a healthcare-focused board of directors has been formed.

The program’s goals include developing strategies and solutions that will lead to all former NFL players having access to top-tier healthcare providers across the country, and to healthcare coverage. Many of those solutions will also become available to the general public through partnerships around the country.

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame stands for excellence and this landmark partnership will be a game changer in the health care industry,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker. “We are thrilled to work with Jeremy and his team, as he leads Hall of Fame Health and works to build the programs and services that will meet our long-term objectives related to health and wellness.”