Stan Fritts

“The programs at The Trust are absolutely outstanding and very usable for people like me,” explained Fritts. "The Trust is looking at you from a holistic standpoint, they are there to help you in all areas of your life.”

Living in North Carolina, Fritts heard about a program for former players and its partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He knew this was a program he needed to learn more about.

“I got in touch with The Trust and the first thing I did was complete my Brain & Body Assessment,” said Fritts. "I went down to UNC and they were able to uncover things I had no idea about! The doctors did a comprehensive evaluation of my health from head to toe and then provided a professional report back with recommendations.”

Just as the doctor ordered, Fritts is prioritizing the doctors’ recommendations by taking advantage of his YMCA membership. He even found a new passion through his usage of the benefit.

“I’ve been able to fulfill the doctors' recommendations by going to the YMCA on a regular basis. I’ve even become enamored with yoga, of all things,” described Fritts. "I love it, and I can’t live without it. It’s been a major reason for my health improving, especially as a diabetic, because it helps keep my blood sugar under control.”

The techniques Fritts has learned from yoga have coincided with what he has learned utilizing Cigna, which provides players with counseling sessions to navigate everyday life.

“My program manager, Mykal Johnson, told me about Cigna and it helped me move forward in different ways," Fritts said. "My counselor told me about the concept of mindfulness, which helped me focus and reduce stress through things like meditation, similar to what I do in yoga.”

The Trust has also been there for Fritts as he retires from his post-football career in software sales.

“I have been getting ready to retire and wondering if my financial position will allow me to do so when I want. Mykal brought Financial Finesse to my attention,” Fritts stated. "Cyrus Pernell at Financial Finesse helped me put together a financial planning and budgeting process I can use in my elder years.”

Fritts hopes other former players will also utilize The Trust and its benefits to support them in their lives.

“The Trust has improved my quality of life," Fritts raved. "I would encourage all former players to educate themselves about what The Trust has available to help us excel after football. They can give you the tools you need to succeed in all areas of your life – I believe that fervently because it has worked for me personally.”