By David Haugh
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Looking tired but determined, Mike Ditka vowed to keep fighting the good fight for retired players in need.
"I don't care how much money players make today, I just hope they understand they are truly blessed ... these guys before us made the game what it is," Ditka said Thursday at a news conference for Gridiron Greats.
The group announced a partnership with the Brain Injury Research Institute to assist former NFL players suffering from the effects of head injuries.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Looking tired but determined, Mike Ditka vowed to keep fighting the good fight for retired players in need.
"I don't care how much money players make today, I just hope they understand they are truly blessed ... these guys before us made the game what it is," Ditka said Thursday at a news conference for Gridiron Greats.
The group announced a partnership with the Brain Injury Research Institute to assist former NFL players suffering from the effects of head injuries.
In the middle of Ditka's talk, Conrad Dobler came to the front of the
room to show his right knee, which has been replaced five times. Former
Bears running back Merrill Hoge, whose career was ended due to
concussions, showed up to support the cause. Tony Dorsett, Roger
Staubach and Jimbo Covert also attended.
"I don't think we're the answer, but we can help," Ditka said.
NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith spoke, showing the strides the group has made with a union it once battled during the late Gene Upshaw's tenure.
"I will partner with any group that wants to help these players," Smith said. "We're eliminating 'retired' from the lexicon. They're just players."
Gridiron Greats will host its major fund-raider Friday night featuring Jamie Foxx at the Ritz-Carlton.
"I only hope Jamie shows up sometime before midnight," Ditka kidded.
"I don't think we're the answer, but we can help," Ditka said.
NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith spoke, showing the strides the group has made with a union it once battled during the late Gene Upshaw's tenure.
"I will partner with any group that wants to help these players," Smith said. "We're eliminating 'retired' from the lexicon. They're just players."
Gridiron Greats will host its major fund-raider Friday night featuring Jamie Foxx at the Ritz-Carlton.
"I only hope Jamie shows up sometime before midnight," Ditka kidded.
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