Today, the great Iron Mike Ditka was on Capitol Hill. He once turned down a chance to run for a seat in the United States Senate from Illinois. Ditka was in the Senate today, but was there to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee on behalf of retired NFL players.
Ditka is the spokesman for the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. The group is attempting to convince the NFL and the players' union to reform the system of disability payments for retired players. Ditka, in the meantime, is trying to force the union's hand by asking for a congressional investigation of the union's finances.
The NFL is the most successful professional sports league in America. The league is more popular than ever. The league and its players are making more money than ever. There are many retired players that have fallen through the cracks of the league's pension plan. There are other ex-players who have debilitating football-related injuries and are unable to work. Yes, there are occupational hazards that come with playing a full-contact collision sport. However, the league and its players' union have a responsibility to help take care of those who have helped build the sport.
These are proud men who would rather not ask for a handout. They are not asking for the government to help them. They would simply like to receive something back from the game that they helped build, so that they can take care of physical needs brought about by their football careers.
The Roger Goodell era of the NFL is off to a great start. My hope is that the NFL and the NFL Players Association can do something more to help former players that have fallen upon hard times due to football-related injuries and conditions.
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