Part of our guide: Disability Income Insurance: Solutions, Tools and Guides →
A projected top-10 NFL draft pick has millions in guaranteed money and signing bonus riding on staying healthy until draft day. One injury could erase it. Here’s how one prospect protected that value.
Key takeaways
- Top draft prospects risk losing guaranteed contract money to a pre-draft injury or illness.
- A $10 million permanent total disability policy covered the player from placement until draft day.
- The premium was about $35,000 plus taxes and fees, and the policy ended when he signed his NFL contract.
$10 million of permanent total disability coverage for about $35,000 in premium — protecting a top-10 pick until he signed.
The client
A junior offensive lineman at a major university, ranked second at his position and projected as a top-10 pick, chose to skip his senior year and enter the NFL draft.
The risk
Because of the physical nature of the sport, an injury or illness causing permanent total disability before the draft would cost him millions in guaranteed money and signing bonuses.
The solution
Working with the player’s advisor, we placed a $10 million permanent total disability policy covering any injury, accident, or illness from placement through draft day. The policy terminated when he signed his NFL contract. The premium was roughly $35,000 plus taxes and fees.
The takeaway
The player could focus on preparing for the draft knowing his projected value was protected. High earners in other occupations can have similar gaps in disability protection. See also coverage options for professional athletes and a DI case study on an NFL running back.
Frequently asked questions
Do NFL draft prospects buy disability insurance?
Many top prospects buy permanent total disability or loss of value coverage to protect their projected contract before the draft.
How much does draft disability insurance cost?
It depends on coverage amount, sport, and position. In this case, $10 million of coverage cost about $35,000 plus taxes and fees.
What is permanent total disability coverage?
A policy that pays a lump sum if an injury or illness permanently prevents the insured from playing or working.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
Connect on LinkedIn →We’re Here to Help
Have a question about what you just read, or a case you’re working on? Tell us a bit about what you need, and a member of the SRS team will follow up with you personally — no obligation, no hassle.
