Gridiron Greats: A Great Charity

Retired NFL players have been in the news lately. The fact that Junior Seau chose to aim the gun at his chest speaks volumes. He, like other players, reportedly wanted his brain to be intact for study after his death. Obviously, he seemed convinced that his depressed condition was due to head trauma from blows on the field in the NFL. More than 100 players have filed lawsuits against the NFL, claiming it didn’t protect them from concussions.

When I published my book Necessary Roughness: New Rules for the Contact Sport of Life, I chose a charity to give a percentage of the proceeds.  It is Gridiron Greats founded by Mike Ditka, and located in a Chicago suburb. The two women who manage the charity are fabulous: Shannon Jordan and Karen Wright. The website is www.gridirongreats.org and the stories of the men they serve are inspiring. As the website says,

“The stories are sad, but some stories of help for retired NFL players have hope. The stories are all heard and addressed by the GGAF office. Some NFL retired players’ stories lead to good news, good endings, good results, progress and success. In just a few years, the GGAF has given more than $2,500,000 in grants and medical assistance to retired NFL players. The requests and needs continue to come in from retired NFL players asking for help, guidance and assistance. More work needs to be done to help retired NFL players in need. More awareness is needed. More money needs to be raised. The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is helping these retired Gridiron Greats. Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is making a difference.

Here are a few of the retired NFL Player stories:

• William “Fridge” Perry, the legendary former Chicago Bears star, needed medical and financial help with his fight to battle Guillain-Barre Syndrome. GGAF helped the retired NFL player with medical expenses and secured his treatment and rehabilitation through a pro bono medical facility.
• Former Defensive Tackle with the Cleveland Browns suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from his playing days, degenerative disc disease. He was denied line-of-duty disability, so GGAF has provided some financial help for groceries, utilities and plumbing repair.
• Dwight Harrison – NFL player for 11 years with the Broncos, Bills, Colts, and Raiders – lives in a FEMA trailer with no running water. Suffers from head injuries and post-concussion syndrome—short-term memory, inability to concentrate/ focus, severe depression. GGAF has provided help to the retired NFL player by providing funds for utilities, food and basic needs.”

We don’t know what the outcome of the lawsuits against the NFL will be. What we do know is this wonderful charity exists and needs your help. Every time I send a check to Gridiron Greats, I feel I’m contributing in a small way to the players who made football what it is today: the best game in the world.