Inside Players Health’s Mission to Redefine Risk Management

From streamlined reporting platforms to personalized coverage, Tyrre Burks and Players Health are helping fitness leaders embed accountability into every aspect of their operation.

Tyrre Burks’ connection to fitness first started through sports. 

When Burks was a kid, he played just about every option imaginable. He went on to play football at Winona State University and later in the Canadian Football League. But it wasn’t until he stepped away from the game after a series of injuries that Burks began to understand why the systems around sports and fitness were breaking down. 

“I spent so many years exploring how organizations manage risk and that experience became the foundation for my career in this industry and for building Players Health,” said Burks.

Those early conversations Burks had with coaches, club owners and decision makers who were trying to do the right thing but didn’t have the tools or support is how Players Health was able to form its purpose.

“They were overwhelmed by the complexity of the insurance industry, worried about liability and often navigating compliance blind,” said Burks. “Those foundational conversations led me to build a company that could combine comprehensive risk protection, and a real partnership built on trust.”

As the founder and CEO, Burks created a company whose mission is to create the safest environments possible for people to stay active and connected through sport and fitness. Every fitness journey and club is different, so they focus on meeting operators where they are and tailoring solutions for the way they run their businesses. Whether it’s helping manage risk, training staff or providing support after an incident, Players Health’s goal is to be a true safety partner. 

The success of the company and the partnerships it forms comes from staying focused on the realities that club operators face every day. From staffing challenges to liability concerns, Players Health takes the necessary time to understand how much is on the line when you’re running a business. 

“What sets us apart is how we show up; not just as an insurance provider, but as a true partner in safety,” explained Burks. “We bring together insurance, risk tools and training in a way that actually fits into day-to-day operations. We’re not trying to overwhelm operators with more work. We’re here to make it easier to do the right thing.”

One product that stands out for clubs is the digital risk management platform. It gives operators a centralized place to log incidents, track waivers, manage certifications and monitor trends across the organization. It’s designed to reduce friction and make compliance more manageable.

“We also offer tailored insurance coverage that reflects the unique needs of fitness clubs,” said Burks. “That includes everything from general liability to abuse prevention. And for clubs that want a fresh perspective, we provide complimentary program reviews to identify gaps and make sure their coverage actually matches how they operate.”

What can Players Health help club operators with that no other brand can? Club operators are expected to create an environment that feels both high-performing and safe — and that balance isn’t always easy to maintain. Players Health is different due to their deep understanding of how those responsibilities play out in real-world settings.

They help clubs manage risk proactively rather than reactively. Whether it’s reducing exposure to injuries, strengthening staff accountability or building a clear and reliable system for incident reporting and response, Players Health focuses on embedding safety into everyday operations. 

“We don’t just step in when something goes wrong,” explained Burks. “We help you build a foundation that makes those moments less likely to happen in the first place.”

For industry leaders searching for applicable keys to success in building truly safe, welcoming spaces, Burks advised to first start by focusing on culture. Specifically, create an environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

“The best-run clubs treat safety and accountability as part of their identity,” said Burks. “That means investing in staff training, having clear reporting systems, and setting the tone from the top. Review your coverage regularly. Your programming is evolving, and your insurance should be too. And don’t be afraid to ask hard questions about risk. The operators who stay curious and proactive are the ones who build environments where both their people and their businesses can thrive.”

At a time when accountability is essential and wellness includes both physical and emotional safety, Players Health helps fitness leaders set that needed higher standard.

Through his experiences as an athlete to now seeing his company make a direct impression on the well-being of others, Burks has learned to love the small moments. He said much like fitness, the road from A to B is rarely straight. Instead, it’s full of challenges, growth and unexpected turns. 

“Over time I’ve come to appreciate that it’s the journey, not just the outcome, that makes the work so meaningful,” said Burks. “That’s what makes this role so fulfilling. Every time I see the work we’re doing to prevent harm, create trust or help someone feel more secure doing what they love, I know I’m doing what I was built to do. I don’t take that responsibility lightly. It reminds me that real impact often shows up in quiet, consistent ways.”