NFL players pension plan moves funding upfield

The Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan was 89% funded as of March 31, 2018, the most recent plan data available. The plan was 48% funded as recently as 2013, and 2018's increase was 6 percentage points higher than 2017's funded status, according to the analysis from the Society of Actuaries. Over those six years, plan assets have grown steadily to about $2.4 billion from $1.4 billion. Liabilities were about $2.8 billion in 2018 and have seen less growth than assets over the past four years. Liabilities fell abruptly to $2.5 billion from $2.9 billion between 2014 and 2015 after fundamental plan changes to reduce the liability. The changes ultimately resulted in a funded status change to 73% from 55% over the 12-month period.

The discount rate remained at 7.25% from 2013 to 2018.

If our two Super Bowl quarterbacks were to retire after Sunday's game, Patrick Mahomes would receive an estimated $26,160 per year given his three years of service (and rookie contract), while Jimmy Garoppolo would get an estimated $48,720 per year from his six years of service. The plan assumes a standard retirement age of 55 for when players can start receiving benefits. For comparison, Eli Manning should expect to receive $107,280 per year after his January retirement from his 16 years if service once he turns 55.