The Shield Foundation was founded in April 2022, by two Notre Dame graduates and former football players, Jack Shields, Sr. (ND ’83) and Pat Eilers (ND ’89). Our overarching goal for this foundation is to empower former student-athlete success beyond sports, while creating a sense of community and a dynamic network for all to come together and work as one. 

Often when leaving for college, we think about the experiences we will have over our time as student-athletes. Throughout the 4-year commitment college athletes often face, the next 40 years are not always discussed. However, our founders and CEO of The Shield Foundation have lived by the “4-for-40 promise” they learned throughout their football careers. Collectively, they want nothing more than to put this promise into effect for the future generations of individuals who could benefit in their transitional phase following their sport. Help us help you, and let’s continue to build this community together!

The Shield continues to establish a diverse network of experts across a variety of industries who we believe can add value to the personal and professional growth and development of student-athletes.

Leadership

Jack Shields, Sr
Jack Shields, SrFounder & Chairman

Founder & CEO of Shields Health Innovations


Founder & CEO, Shields Health Solutions

President, Shields Health Care Group

Notre Dame Football (’79-’83), Sugar Bowl Team ’81 
Pat Eilers
Pat EilersFounding Board Member

Advisory Council for the Student-Athlete, ND


Founder & Managing Partner, Transition Equity Advisors


Managing Director, BlackRock & Madison Dearborn


6-year NFL career


Dr. Tom Carter, III
Dr. Tom Carter, IIICEO & President

Former Director of Player Affairs for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), served for 15 years 


9 year NFL Career (1st Round Draft Pick)


Notre Dame Football (’90-’95), Indiana University MBA ’17, Jacksonville University DBA ’20