In an unprecedented move that is sure to set a new standard for NFL teams, the Kansas City Chiefs have unveiled a pioneering 3-year support program for players whose careers have come to an end. As the first team to introduce such an initiative, the Chiefs are taking significant strides in ensuring that former players have the resources and guidance they need to transition into life after football.
A Bold Step Toward Player Welfare
The Chiefs’ new program is designed to support players who are released from contracts or retire from the sport, providing them with comprehensive resources to help them navigate their post-football careers. This three-year assistance plan includes career development, educational stipends, mental health support, financial counseling, and family guidance, with the goal of offering a smooth transition to civilian life.
“We recognize that life after football can be a challenging and uncertain time for many players,” said Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach. “Our program is here to ensure that they have the tools they need to not only cope with the transition but thrive in the next phase of their lives. From finding new careers to managing financial challenges, we are here to support them every step of the way.”
Ongoing Financial Assistance for Stability
One of the key features of the program is the financial support provided to former players each month, ensuring they can manage living costs while adjusting to life outside of the NFL. The Chiefs are committed to providing former players with the financial stability necessary to build a secure future as they embark on new professional and personal journeys.
“The financial assistance will help ease the burden of the transition period, allowing our former players to focus on building their next chapter without the immediate pressure of day-to-day financial worries,” Veach added.
Emphasizing the Chiefs’ ‘Family First’ Philosophy
This initiative is a clear reflection of the Chiefs’ strong commitment to their players’ well-being. The team’s “family first” ethos is now extending far beyond the football field, demonstrating that the Chiefs care deeply about their players’ futures, even after their playing days are over.
“We consider our players family, and we want them to succeed both on and off the field,” said Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid. “This program is designed to give them the support they need to find their next purpose, build their careers, and be mentally and emotionally healthy throughout the process. We’re committed to their well-being, no matter where their journey takes them.”
A Game-Changing Model for the NFL
With the launch of this groundbreaking program, the Kansas City Chiefs are leading the way for other NFL teams to follow suit. By offering a support system for players transitioning out of the game, the Chiefs are setting a new benchmark for player welfare in the league.
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“We’re hopeful that other teams will see the value in this and start offering similar programs for their players,” said Chiefs owner Clark Hunt. “Our players deserve the best, and we want to be at the forefront of ensuring that they’re supported throughout their careers and beyond.”
Chiefs Announce WR Cut Amid Rashee Rice News: Report
The Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time making things official on October 13, as they announced the activation of suspended star wide receiver Rashee Rice amid the Monday news cycle via the NFL transaction log.
Of course, by activating Rice back onto the 53-man roster, the Chiefs also had to cut one member of the 53 onto waivers. That player, per the transaction log and KSHB 41 beat reporter Nick Jacobs, will be fellow wide receiver Jason Brownlee.
Brownlee was always the logical cut once Rice returned. After all, he was originally added to the active roster after the news of Rice’s suspension.
Brownlee has been active for five of the Chiefs’ six outings in 2025, but he hasn’t had much of an impact since training camp and the preseason.
The 26-year-old former UDFA of the New York Jets has logged 21 total snaps on offense and another 21 on special teams, but has not recorded a catch. He was targeted once by quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Chiefs Choose to Activate Rashee Rice From the Suspension List Immediately, Hinting He Will Be Ready to Go in Week 7
Just before the news of Rice’s activation, Chiefs Digest beat reporter Matt Derrick went over KC’s options for this procedure.
“With WR Rashee Rice returning today from his six-game suspension, the Chiefs have a one-week roster exemption,” Derrick noted on Monday. “He won’t count against the 53-player roster until the team activates him. That means they also don’t need to make a move until Saturday for him to play vs. [the Las Vegas] Raiders.”
In other words, the Chiefs were allowed to wait until Saturday to reinstate Rice back onto the 53-man roster, but instead chose to do so immediately. This is a clear sign that Rice is ready to play in Week 7, and head coach Andy Reid hinted at that while addressing the media on October 13.
“Listen, I know he’s been working like crazy,” Reid said of Rice on Monday afternoon. “The rule states that we can’t work with him, but I know he’s been… I know he’s been working out hard.”
“I think it’s just a matter of getting him back in the swing [of things],” the Chiefs HC continued. Adding: “I know he’s in good shape, that’s the one thing I do know. I think that will be important.”
Reid went on to conclude that Rice “getting with Patrick [Mahomes]” will be equally important, and that getting them both “on the same page” will be the focus this week at practice.
“We’ll just see how all that works out,” he explained. “We haven’t put the game plan in yet.”
Chiefs Will Risk Losing WR Jason Brownlee on Waivers
GettyKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jason Brownlee during training camp.
The downside of putting Brownlee on the roster in the first place is that there was always a likelihood that he’d eventually be subjected to waivers when he was cut. Now, that day has come.
Brownlee is a talented 6-foot-3 pass-catcher in a league with plenty of wide receiver injuries. It would not be shocking if another NFL team claimed him off waivers this week.
With the Jets as a rookie, Brownlee caught 5 of his 8 targets for 56 yards and 1 touchdown. He made the Jets’ 53-man roster as a rookie and has shown plenty of ability during his various preseason appearances in NY and KC.
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