<><> Meet Our Team <><>

Thomas was born in a small town on the North Shore of Boston, MA. Soon after, his family moved to Fort Myers, FL, where he grew up playing every sport under the Florida sun. He excelled in high school as a standout athlete, earning multiple all-state honors in both baseball and soccer. 

DiBenedetto then attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where he played baseball and earned a B.A. in Economics. As a 4-year starting shortstop for the Trinity Bantams, he was recognized with 1st Team All-New England honors and helped the Bantams secure the 2008 NCAA D-III National Championship. After completing his degree in 2008, he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox and played professionally for 8 years. During the final two seasons of his playing career, he balanced his time as a student, completing a Master's degree in Sport Management from the University of Florida in 2017. 

When the time came to hang up his spikes, DiBenedetto continued to pursue his passion for sports, remaining professionally connected to the pro sports world through various roles, including serving as a pro scout and analytics consultant with the Baltimore Orioles, as well as an assistant coach with multiple NCAA D1 programs. 

More recently, DiBenedetto, who holds accreditation as a Recovery Residence Advisor in both Florida and Georgia, has shifted his focus to assisting former pro athletes. Over the last 3 years, he has immersed himself in what he describes as the 'NFL Disability Puzzle.' During this time, he served as an NFL Disabilities Consultant, helping more than 150 NFL players navigate various stages of the NFL Disability Benefits process. His expertise extends to understanding the nuances governing the three NFL Player Benefits sectors, which include: 'Line of Duty,' 'Total & Permanent,' and 'Neurocognitive' categories. 

'Being able to play an integral role in helping former NFL players, many of whom are facing financial and emotional challenges, reach a better place and secure the financial benefits they deserve, is what makes the Gridiron Benefits mission so rewarding.'

Dean grew up in a small northeastern town outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He and his family have always been avid football fans, sharing a deep love for the game. From a young age, he recalls the beauty and brutality of football, which influenced his early experiences. Dean played high school football, excelling as a receiver and cornerback.  

After high school, he ventured to the Midwest for college, enrolling at the University of Michigan. At Michigan, Dean dedicated himself to pre-medical and pre-law courses, all while attending as many games at the Big House as possible. After earning his degree from Michigan, he pursued law school at the Florida State University College of Law, where he successfully passed the Florida Bar, becoming a licensed attorney.  

For over a decade, Dean has practiced law as a trial lawyer and litigator, focusing on defending the accused and managing various injury cases. However, he has recently shifted his focus to the game he cherishes, redirecting his efforts from helping the accused and those personally injured to advocating for former athletes. Dean is committed to ensuring they receive the benefits they rightfully deserve after dedicating their lives to the sport and entertaining others.

Dr. Rich Diana is a highly trained orthopedic surgeon whose extensive orthopedic and surgical training, paired with his unique experience as a player in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, makes him exceptionally qualified. He ensures that our NFL clients' medical records and images are thoroughly examined by an esteemed orthopedic surgeon who also has a deep understanding of the NFL and the impact of the game on the human body.

Shannon joins GridIron Benefits as our Claims and Strategy Specialist, bringing over 12 years of legal expertise to the team. A former Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Shannon has a proven track record of excellence in law and advocacy. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida—Go Knights!—and her law degree from Barry University School of Law. Alongside her expertise in claims and strategy, she plays a critical role in spearheading case strategy and compilation for appeals.

Dr. Max Blanter earned his medical degree from the prestigious New York Medical College. He currently provides care in Seattle, Washington, at Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, which is consistently recognized as a leading medical center, receiving numerous awards for excellence each year.

(Name withheld for online privacy, will be disclosed with client during consultation). M.D., Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Radiology Regional. Graduated magna cum laude from CCNY Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education and Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Certified by the American Board of Radiology, he has also received a Certification of Added Qualification in Interventional and Vascular Radiology. As a Gridiron Benefits Partner, he provides convenient MRI and X-RAY imaging services for GIB clients.