Under what condition does a player receive a Credited Season for Player Benefits?

A player receives a Credited Season for Player Benefits when they appear on the Active/Inactive (A/I), Injured Reserve (IR), or Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for their club. This rule is important because it acknowledges that even players who may not be physically active in games due to injury or other circumstances still contribute to their team's roster and overall functionality.

When a player is on one of these lists, they are considered to have participated in the season in a manner that entitles them to receive benefits. This setup ensures that players are supported even when they are not able to play in the games, reflecting the league's acknowledgment of the diverse roles and statuses athletes can have throughout the season.

The other options, while potentially tied to the career of a player, do not directly impact the calculation of a Credited Season for Player Benefits. For instance, simply participating in games or being a first-round draft pick does not guarantee benefits, and being a team captain holds no bearing on the criteria for a Credited Season. This emphasizes the NFL's commitment to player welfare, even in circumstances where they are not on the active roster.