Bruce Laird is unsure whether last week?s congressional hearing will bring about real change in regard to the disability process for retired NFL players.
However, the former Baltimore Colt is certain that the professional football league will feel even more pressure to continue to improve its treatment of retired players now that a number of factions are developing a more unified front to combat this issue.
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“The hearing was the first time a lot of us fighting for the same cause got to meet each other,” Laird said. “There is a big task at hand in front of us and we need to work together to reach our common goal.”
There are three main groups on the front lines now, including the Laird-led Fourth & Goal, the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund and the Retired Professional Football Players for Justice. Laird?s group was founded by many fellow Baltimore Colts.
“We all have our own strengths,” said Jennifer Smith, executive director of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, founded by former Green Bay Packer Jerry Kramer among others, is designed to provide financial assistance to retired players who are in dire need due to what they believe is inadequate pension and disability compensation from the NFL and the NFL Players? Association.
Founded by former Cleveland Browns defensive back Bernie Parrish, the Retired Professional Football Players for Justice is taking the legal approach in its fight. That group recently filed a class-action lawsuit against Players Inc., the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFLPA. The retired players claim that they are owed tens of millions of dollars for licensing and other payments not made since 1994.
“Our group has a national presence and can raise a lot of money in a short amount of time with people like Jerry Kramer and [former Chicago Bears coach] Mike Ditka,” Smith said. “Groups like [Laird?s] do a great job of getting the message out and really rallying the community behind them.”
During a press conference following the league?s rookie symposium last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he wants to continue to work with retired players to make sure they receive the best care possible. He, along with NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw, plan on meeting with a group of former players July 24.
“I think we?ve done some very positive things for retired players and we?re considering doing some additional things that I think are quite responsive to the issues ? ” Goodell said. “I think we?re being very responsive to our retired players and I understand the interest in this. I hope were going to be seen in a very positive light in terms of being responsive to this.”
