Notes on a trip to the Super Bowl.The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, an organization devoted to raising money for retired NFL players with medical and financial problems, had its Super Bowl fundraiser Wednesday night in Arizona, and although the event was mostly devoted to and attended by players from the past, the name of one current player kept coming up: Kyle Turley.
Turley, a Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman, donated a game check (worth about $40,000) to the Gridiron Greats during the 2007 season, and he encouraged other players to do the same. For that and other efforts to bring awareness to the plight of disabled ex-NFL stars, Turley drew praise Wednesday night from such NFL legends as Mike Ditka, Mean Joe Greene, Ed "Too Tall" Jones and LeRoy Kelly.
For Turley's part, he said, "I'm in complete awe of the guys in this room. I was coached by the greats who played this game and I want to give back to them. Until active players stand up and lend their voice, the problems we have are not going to get fixed."
Turley said he plans to retire, and that he thinks being out of the NFL will give him more freedom to speak up for what he believes in, and speak out against a players' union that, in Turley's view, doesn't do enough to ensure the health and safety of former players. Turley shouldn't stop speaking out when he stops playing football. His is a voice that needs to be heard.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. The "retired" players made more money in their careers than most Americans do during their lifetimes. But they pissed their money away or invested it ignorantly, or whatever. Why is it that those people, who mostly have University degrees can't work for a living. But no, they want a hand out and to be treated special because they played a child's game, were made rich (relatively) during their time. So after 10 years or whatever they are owed free medical and cash handouts for living expenses. Its a disgrace.
Posted at 3:34AM on Jan 31st 2008 by GreatR
2. I agree. It would make more sense to hold fund-raisers for veterans, single mothers/fathers, people with disabilities, etc. The former NFL players made a lot of money during their careers, including bonuses. Plus they make a ton of money doing autograph sessions, speaking engagements, personal appearances, and pensions. If they are poor, it's probably their own fault. They probably blew all their money on cars, women, jewelry, and other non-essential items. If they got injured playing football and have a permanent disability as a result, then the NFL should compensate them. If they are just looking for a handout so they won't have to get a real job, then I don't support them.
Posted at 4:05AM on Jan 31st 2008 by dave
3. Retired star players made a lot of money, the average player didn't.
Posted at 8:12PM on Jan 31st 2008 by rob
4. GreatR and dave are missing the point. I believe that this program is geared towards medical funding for players who ruined their bodies for the nfl. People like Earl Campbell, who can barely walk as a result of his injuries. It is not about giving handouts to people who stupidly blew their money.
Posted at 1:54AM on Feb 1st 2008 by Dr Huxtable