Mike Ditka and GRIDIRON GREATS PRO BONO MEDICAL PROGRAM BEGINS IMPLEMENTATION TODAY. FORMER PLAYERS TO RECEIVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN COMPREHENSIVE DONATED MEDICAL SERVICES.
Allentown, PA (July 22, 2008) -- The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a not-for-profit organization that provides assistance to retired NFL players in dire need, began implementation today of the groundbreaking medical program that will provide millions of dollars in donated medical care to former NFL players in dire need.
The program is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of many former NFL players who suffer due to their inability to care for their football-related injuries, secure affordable medical insurance, and the inadequate disability and pension plan provided by the NFLPA and NFL.
This unprecedented program is spearheaded by OAA Orthopaedic Specialists in Allentown, PA and encompasses other facilities around the country. Several retired NFL players were flown by the Gridiron Greats to the OAA facility this week to begin their pro bono evaluations and medical testing. Over 50 players have applied to the program since its inception only two short months ago. Among those who entered the program this week were former Jacksonsville Jaguar Brian Demarco and former Miami Dolphin Mercury Moris. Both players suffer from debilitating football related injuries and have no health coverage or means for the costly medical treatments.
At a Gridiron Greats/OAA press conference today hosted by former Philadelphia Eagle Koy Detmer, a supporter of the GGAF organization, the players and medical specialists discussed post career disability issues that retired football players face. Insights were also shared with regard to their first-hand experience with the new Gridiron Greats medical program.
There has been talk among players for years about the insufficient medical plan for retired football players," said Detmer, a Vice President of Athlete Services for Triton Financial.
"Today it moves from talk to action. It's great to have an organization like Gridiron Greats to move the mission forward and have a facility like OAA to provide medical services for retired players in need."
"The importance of having me and Brian DeMarco here," said Mercury Morris, "represents two generations of players - those who have recently retired with severe injuries and those who retired quite some time ago and have to deal with older injuries and advanced age.
We can both benefit from the improved technology, superior facilities, and the generosity of the doctors. I am very fortunate that the doctors here at OAA have opened doors to allow me to improve my quality of life."
Dr. Robert Palumbo and Vincent Hudson oversee the newly formed GGAF Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Palumbo is also a second opinion physician for the NFLPA and has tremendous insights into the medical issues facing NFL players. "I know what goes on," said Palumbo about the needs of the players. "I played college football and I have empathy for athletes. We doctors would just look at each other and sady, "What the hell? Why is it taking so long? It's not hard. "
The organization is expected to have 20 facilities on board by the end of the year. Arizona and Chicago based facilities are currently part of the program.
"There's been a lot of talk in recent years about the medical issues many retired players face due to the game, the lack of post career healthcare or affordable insurance," said Gridiron Greats Board Member Mike Ditka. "This has resulted in many players being forced into dire situations. There's been too much talk, in fact, and not enough action. We're pleased to get the program started today and we are able to take action and get these guys the help they need. This would not have been possible with the generosity of the medical specialists from OAA. "
Both the administrations and physicians at these institutions understand the problem and wanted to offer their help. When they contacted us and we started putting this program together it was just amazing. The level of compassion that these physicians have," said Jennifer Smith, Gridiron Greats Executive Director. "Because of their generosity, the lives of many retired players will be transformed and a quality of life restored."
The medical initiative will be facilitated through the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. Retired NFL players can apply to the program by contacting the Grirdiron Greats Adminstrative offices at 1-800-708-1078 or visiting www.gridirongreats.org.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Jennifer Smith, Gridiron Greats
Phone: 920.499.7133
E-mail: Lombardi22@aol.com
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