1. NFL pensions are based on the labor agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA.
2. The NFLPA bylaws allow retirees to remain in the union, but only current players are allowed to vote for the leadership positions and to approve the collective bargaining agreements with the NFL.
3. Many NFL players are among the dumbest people on the planet, and couldn't manage the finances of a sidewalk lemonade stand properly. The notion of preparing for life 40 years from now, or even 40 days from now, is completely alien to them.
Therefore, NFL retirees are basically being screwed by current NFL players.
That's the biggie. And heaven knows the institutions of higher learning, ha ha, that churn these guys out are happy to help.