Retired NFL Heart Health: IntelliWell’s Biomarker Advantage

New England Patriots’ Don Hasselbeck, #80, fights to hold on to a pass as Washington Redskins’ Monte Coleman, #51, tries to shake the ball loose, on Oct. 25, 1981. (AP Photo/Scott Stewart, File)

The Continuing Story: From Jacoby Jones to Don Hasselbeck

In our last IntelliWell Report, we examined the tragic passing of Jacoby Jones and the hidden cardiac risks faced by active NFL players. Today, the conversation grows more urgent with the heartbreaking death of Don Hasselbeck in April 2025. His sudden heart attack reminds us that NFL heart health is not just a game-day concern—it’s a lifelong battle.

Overlooked Biomarkers With Outsized Impact

Retired athletes often assume that “normal” bloodwork means they’re safe. IntelliWell challenges that assumption by going beyond the simple normal vs. abnormal model, introducing three tiers of reference ranges:

• Out-of-Range: immediate medical attention needed

• Normal: acceptable for the general population

• Performance: the elite zone where peak cardiovascular resilience lives

Here are three critical biomarkers where this performance range makes all the difference:

Hemoglobin A1c

• Performance Range: 4.5–5.2%

• Why It Matters: Even “normal” A1c levels (up to 5.6%) can signal early insulin resistance, a silent driver of arterial damage.

• Precision Supplementation: Magnesium, berberine, and chromium to optimize glucose metabolism.

Vitamin D

• Performance Range: 55–80 ng/mL

• Why It Matters: Low Vitamin D impairs vascular health and increases inflammation.

• Precision Supplementation: High-bioavailability D3 + K2 to maintain optimal serum levels year-round.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

• Performance Range: <0.55 mg/L

• Why It Matters: Even a “normal” CRP under 3 mg/L can mask low-grade inflammation linked to plaque buildup.

• Precision Supplementation: Omega-3s, curcumin, and targeted polyphenols to keep systemic inflammation minimal.

IntelliWell’s 3-Tier Strategy in Action

Imagine if retired players like Don had access to IntelliWell’s 200+ biomarker panel and three-tier reference ranges years earlier. While their Hemoglobin A1c may look “fine” by conventional standards, IntelliWell would have flagged it for proactive intervention—long before it endangered their hearts.

“Normal isn’t enough when your life is built on elite performance.”

Through AI-driven analysis, IntelliWell delivers:

• Deep lifestyle and dietary guidance

• Precision supplementation protocols

• Ongoing biomarker tracking to keep retired athletes in the performance zone for decades.

Takeaways for NFL Players and Alumni

• Start Early, Stay Consistent: Cardiovascular risks accelerate after retirement.

• Demand Performance Ranges: Don’t settle for lab slips that say “normal.”

• Integrate Precision Supplementation: Support heart health with evidence-based micronutrients.

The IntelliWell Report is dedicated to providing cutting-edge insights on precision supplementation for elite athletes. If you’re a professional athlete or sports organization looking to optimize performance and longevity, contact IntelliWell Dynamics today.