Drawing from a Black feminist framework and a life story approach, this study utilizes in-depth, semi-structured interviews (N=3) of Black women partnered with, and caring for, retired National Football League (NFL) players who suffered concussions to examine how Black partners-turned-caregivers (1) discuss their relationships with their partners, (2) understand their identities within their relationships with their partners, (3) describe the type of resources they need to feel supported, and (4) to what extent age factors into the discussion. The findings reveal four (4) main themes among Black partners-turned-caregivers. Relationship with Partner explores the changes in their marriages. Identity examines how they reconcile the caregiver role with their self-perceptions. Resources details the practices, institutions, and policies that can support them. Age reveals that, in earlier eras, the NFL concealed football’s potential to cause premature cognitive decline. The implications of this study include empowering other caregivers and informing inclusive healthcare- and disability-related policy that provides for NFL players, and those who care for them. This study offers recommendations for future research on how masculinity influences relationship dynamics in Black couples, why partners-turned-caregivers choose to remain in relationships with their partners, and the distinction between caregiving and mothering.
