The current NFL lockout is again bringing to light issues regarding the support and funding for former players who paved the way for the NFL of today.
Pioneering players like Mike Ditka and Mike Lucci have been fighting the NFL for years for better health and pension benefits for retired players. They're hoping a new collective bargaining agreement between the current players and the NFL owners sets aside more funding for their cause.
For years, organizations like the Gridiron Greats have been picking up the slack in support of former players. The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is a nonprofit NFL football charity providing medical and financial assistance to pioneers of the game who are in dire need.
"There are a lot of former players out there dying alone," said Mark Lewis, director of the Detroit chapter of the Gridiron Greats. "94 percent of the money we raise at Gridiron Greats goes to former players in need. I think this issue being brought out is going to be a good thing for these players long term."
The 3rd annual Gridiron Great Hall of Fame Induction dinner will take place on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. This year, the organization will be honoring former players Gale Sayers, Dick LeBeau, Desmond Howard, Anthony Carter, Dexter Bussey, Pat Studstill, Gail Cogdill, Tommy Watkins, Dorne Dibble, Sam Williams, George Guerre, Jon Jansen and Herman Moore.
Current Lions quarterback Shaun Hill will receive the first annual Ron Kramer Award for being the unsung hero of the 2010 Detroit Lions and former Lions community relations director Tim Pendell will receive an award for his commitment to helping former Lions.
Other former NFL greats in attendance will include Joe Schmidt, Lem Barney, Charlie Sanders, Ditka and Lucci.
The inductees and other former players will also be signing autographs for the public on Saturday, June 4 at the Suburban Collection Showplace from 11-2:30.
