Long Overdue ...

[MauiRam]

NFL to increase aid to retired players
Alex Marvez / FOXSports.com
Posted: 2 hours ago

Retired NFL players with physical and mental ailments are about to receive some financial assistance in addressing their needs.
A plan to help former players receive knee, shoulder and hip replacements will soon be put in place. The program is a collaborative effort of the NFL, NFL Players Association, NFL Alumni and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"A lot of guys need replacements but the expense is often prohibitive," a source with knowledge of the details of the program said. "This should help with that."

The fund will pay for all or a portion of the surgery based on level of financial need. There will be 14 medical centers nationwide chosen by a committee of NFL physicians where surgeries will be performed.

Another new fund will provide extensive heart and cardiovascular screening for retired players. The results will be given to the player to provide to his own personal physician for further analysis.

Heart disease, sleep apnea and cardiovascular-related problems have been identified as three of the major medical issues NFL players face once their careers end.

A program to help retired NFL players in need gain entry into select assisted living facilities also is being finalized. The NFLPA already has established the "88 Program" that provides as much as 88,000 dollars to former players with mental illness.

One of those players is Gene Hickerson, the former Cleveland Browns guard who is being inducted tonight into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Hickerson, 72, is battling Alzheimer's disease and will be unable to speak at his induction.

The NFL will fund most of these programs with the NFLPA, NFL Alumni and Hall of Fame also contributing.

The plans come in response to complaints from a slew of retired players who claim the NFLPA hasn't done enough to medically assist those suffering the effects from having participated in such a violent sport. One of the most outspoken critics is Mike Ditka, who told the Associated Press on Friday that he was boycotting the Hal of Fame ceremony until "they fix the system."


This is long overdue but never the less a step in the right direction for players of yesteryear who literally sacrificed their bodies playing the game we all love. Hopefully this will lead to more NFL funded assistance for those who so desparately need it. The NFL has very deep pockets these days, and the old timers who gave the game their all were instrumental in creating the financial juggernaut that is today's NFL ...

[jkramsfan]

very well put Maui,your right it's long overdue, it's sad to see how some of these older players get around now because of the injuries they suffered while playing.I believe Mike Ditka played a big part in getting this going.

[UtterBlitz]

This is good news for the players.

[Keenum]

They deserve it. I can only imagine going what through high-school, college, and then a long pro career does to your body.