Rolf Benirschke

As the third most accurate placekicker in NFL history at the time of his retirement, Rolf Benirschke had a notable 10-year career with the San Diego Chargers. He was also inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 1997 and honored as a member of the Chargers’ All-Time team. Despite his success in sports, Benirschke came from a medical family, which influenced his significant contributions beyond the football field. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in his second season, his journey through illness and recovery sparked a lifelong commitment to patient advocacy and healthcare.

Benirschke received multiple accolades for his resilience and humanitarian efforts, including The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, NFL Player Association Hero of the Year, and the Byron “Whizzer” White award. In addition to his sports recognition, he has authored three books, including his autobiography "Alive & Kicking," which details his struggles and triumphs over health challenges. These experiences propelled him to impact others facing similar battles through his foundation and advocacy work.

Beyond his athletic and literary accomplishments, Benirschke has founded Legacy Health Strategies, a company focused on patient engagement, and The Grateful Patient Project, which aims to enhance the healthcare experience. He actively collaborates with UCSD Health to improve culture and patient experience and serves as a patient advocate for state and national legislation. His commitment extends to supporting research and innovation in healthcare. Benirschke is also heavily involved in various organizations, including the Zoological Society of San Diego, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and the San Diego Blood Bank, demonstrating his dedication to community service and philanthropy.

His efforts have established him as a respected figure in both the sports and healthcare communities, celebrated for his contributions and impact. As the Chairman of the Rolf Benirschke Legacy Foundation, he continues to influence and inspire, ensuring his legacy of giving back and fostering positive change persists.