Golden Heart Fund
Our Story
Seeded by the DeBartolo and York families, Golden Heart was established in 2017 as a 'Dire Need' Fund to help players during times of hardship. We have developed into a support network providing a range of services from connecting players to academic enrichment, financial planning, career guidance, health resources, and more. Many players experience significant stress after leaving the NFL and fellow alumni understand these challenges.
Golden Heart Joins the 49ers Foundation to Support Our Alumni Legacy
Golden Heart is joining the 49ers Foundation to strengthen our continued commitment to 49ers alumni. Founded in 2017 to support players through times of hardship, Golden Heart has grown into a network providing resources, guidance, and support long after their playing days.
Brotherhood Beyond Statistics
For the 49ers, Leo Johnson was family — even if you don't remember him
Love & Dedication
"Once a Niner, always a Niner is what Lynn used to say, and they have lived up to that expectation,"
A Players Transformation
After sports injuries forced Dennis to retire from football, he described the burden of feeling like he couldn't provide for his family
Services & Partnerships
Help Identifying & Collecting NFL Benefits
Most former players have access to a wide range of benefits and resources through organizations across the NFL network. Our Benefit Concierge Service helps you understand exactly what you've earned based on your time in the league.
Our goal is to make the process simple—so you know what's available to you and your family. We'll help you connect with the right providers to access your benefits easily, reducing confusion and hassle—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence every step of the way.
Navigating Life Outside Football
We help problem-solve around the complex situations our alumni and their families face. We take great pride in addressing a wide range of post competitive needs that extend beyond football, such as:
- Navigating non-NFL related benefits and resources
- Post-competitive career transition
- Physical and mental health resources
- Financial guidance
Emergency Financial Assistance
Golden Heart is working hard to establish a financial assistance program that will provide immediate and discreet support to alumni and immediate family members facing urgent financial crises. We are not currently able to provide financial assistance, but we are actively working to put a program in place as soon as possible.
In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out if you or a family member is struggling. While our capacity is currently limited, we want to understand your needs so we can help when assistance becomes available and, when possible, connect you with other resources that may be able to help in the meantime.
Family & Caregiving Services with Cariloop®
Providing family & caregiving support for our alumni is vital to help manage long-term physical challenges, promote independence, and improve quality of life in retirement. GH has partnered with Cariloop® to provide free and confidential family & caregiver support services.
Receive comprehensive support from a Cariloop® provided Licensed/Certified Care Coach and GHF's dedicated Social Worker on areas such as:
- Securing and transitioning health care
- Identifying and vetting local benefits & resources outside of the NFL network
- Navigating Medicare and other government benefits
- Finding reliable legal and tax support
- Caregiving support for you, your parents, your children, or in-laws
Brain Health Support with the Concussion & CTE Foundation®
Concussions and other brain health challenges remain a serious concern for many former players. That's why we've partnered with the Concussion & CTE Foundation® to offer a dedicated Helpline for our alumni—providing personalized resources, guidance, and connections.
Since 2007, Concussion & CTE Foundation® has been a leader in advancing brain health through research, education, prevention, and direct support for those affected. 49ers legend Randy Cross, a longtime Concussion & CTE Foundation® supporter and member of the California Advisory Board, has shared his enthusiasm for this important partnership and is eager to help connect our alumni with this invaluable resource.
Key resources and services offered through the Concussion & CTE Foundation® Helpline include:
- A dedicated Concussion & CTE Foundation® member providing personalized support to alumni and caregivers
- Peer support network
- Education and comprehensive brain health resources
- Opportunities for research participation and brain bank donations
ROBERT WATTS
Director of Alumni Care & Support Services
(408) 538-8791 | goldenheart@49ers.com