Mike Ditka, Gale Sayers to Testify Before Senate About NFL Retirement Disability System

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund announced in a Sept. 10 press release that board members Mike Ditka and Gale Sayers will testify Sept. 18 at a Senate hearing, which will be conducted by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The purpose of the hearing is to look at the current NFL retirement plan and compensation package for players with post-retirement claims of NFL-related injuries.

Afterwards, Ditka and Sayers will host a national press forum, where other retired NFL players, including former Vikings player Brent Boyd, will also appear. The men will discuss the ongoing psychological and physical problems retired NFL players face and the dismal response of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Many believe the NFL doesn't take the responsibility it should in caring for retired players who sustained game-related injuries that either continue to plague them years after retirement, or didn't become symptomatic until after the players left the NFL.

Former NFL player Brent Boyd is a classic example of what the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund says is happening to NFL players.

Boyd was a third round draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings in 1980. During his rookie year, he suffered a blow to the head that left him unconscious and initially unable to see out of one eye. After that he suffered through headaches, dizziness and memory loss, but he kept playing until released by the Vikings in 1986. Boyd has said in various interviews over the years that, although he suffered a broken leg and more concussions during his career, in those days players were trained to stay in the game unless unable to move.

After retirement, Boyd's life went downhill physically and emotionally. In 1999, doctors finally determined that his depression and other health problems were tied to the injuries he'd suffered as an NFL player. However, even after being evaluated by doctors selected by the NFLPA - who all found Boyd's problems related to his NFL injuries - the board has continued to reject his disability claims. The NFLPA retirement board, which is the ultimate authority on disability cases, consists of three league and three union representatives.

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is a non-profit organization whose aim is to assist retired and injured NFL players in dire need, financially and otherwise. The founding of the organization was facilitated by NFL player Jerry Kramer, who played in Super Bowls I and II under Vince Lombardi.

The Fund's website states that many football greats and players not so well known "had to deal with many physical issues and other hardships caused by the lack of NFL disability support and adequate pensions."

Of the organization and his involvement in the Senate hearing, Ditka said: "The Gridiron Greats has stabilized many retired players and their families and we continue to do so but we are just a band aid. I am honored to have the opportunity to provide testimony at the upcoming Senate hearings. Our Gridiron Greats organization feels it is important for the Senate and the public to understand from a human perspective the disability issues and challenges with the system many retired players have to face. I am thrilled that my long time friend, and fellow Gridiron Greats board member, Gale Sayers will also testify."

To that, Sayers added: "The fact I was asked to testify will provide me the opportunity to discuss an issue that is creating hardships for many retired players and their families. I am thankful to have this opportunity and grateful to the committee for taking up this issue which is affecting the lives of many that played this great game. While our Gridiron Greats Organization is providing support services and financial aid to retired players who are disabled, permanent and long term solutions must be found."

Sources:

Press release, Gridiron Greats Board Members Gale Sayers & Mike Ditka To Testify at U.S. Senate Hearing About NFL Retirement System - Gridiron Greats Post Senate Hearing Press Forum Announced; http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/9/prweb552393.htm

Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund; http://gridirongreats.org/