GRIDIRON GUARDIAN SUNDAY
PLAYERS QUOTES
“When I launched this project I had no idea what kind of participation it would get. I am humbled and proud that so many of my colleagues around the league have reached out to help. I coordinated this effort to help provide medicine, medical care, clothing, food and shelter to retired NFL players who are in dire need. I felt I had to do something to help. I am so appreciative of the support this project has gotten. In this holiday season of giving, it is heartwarming to know that we will be able to impact the lives of so many of our brothers in need.”
-- Kyle Turley, Kansas City Chiefs, creator of this initiative
"People have a hard time comprehending that it is a problem, but then you start reading stories of people just a couple years older than me with young kids like mine. It's one thing if your career ends because of an injury. But when it practically ruins your life and the life of your wife and kids, that's when you want to do something about it."
-- Matt Birk, Minnesota Vikings
“It brings a tear to your eye sometimes thinking of the way some retired players struggle with medical costs. I personally feel a responsibility to give back to these guys that gave so much so we could have all these millions of dollars and be in these situations we’re in now with 401(k) plans and medical assistance plans.” ------Kyle Turley
“The reason I am supporting ‘Gridiron Guardian Sunday’ is because I believe that the success of our game is due largely to the men who came before us. I believe that we can find a way to do more to support the retired players without jeopardizing our own benefits. Even though it is not necessarily the active players' responsibility; it is the responsibility of us all, as part of the NFL family, to offer our gratitude and support.”
-- Darwin Walker, Chicago Bears
Those are the guys who made this game great, the older generation. Everything is because of them. If they didn’t play, the game wouldn’t be as great as it is. We owe it to them to make sure they’re OK.”
--Toney Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs
“I feel like this is the right thing to do; players and owners today all prosper because of the men that came before them. Many are suffering through no fault of their own. This is an epidemic that is affecting retired players and their families, from all eras; I see this as a humanitarian issue. When I came into the league I was told that the NFL is a brotherhood and we would always be part of that brotherhood, so it’s only right for us to help our brothers.”
-- Matt Birk
“One day we’re all going to be retired and you never know when an emergency can happen. It’s only fair because they were the pioneers to help us get where we’re at. I want to help those who can’t help themselves.”
--Ty Law, Kansas City Chiefs
“I can’t begin to express what this initiative Kyle started means to the Gridiron Greats and all retired players. I founded this organization less than a year ago and never dreamed that so many involved in the game today would step up to help. The response of the active players to ‘Gridiron Guardian Sunday’ has been amazing. A lot of retired players are seeing these guys come forward and it has made them feel that there is hope and has demonstrated that they are not forgotten. It’s wonderful what they are doing to help their brothers in need.”
--Jerry Kramer, former Green Bay Packer, Founder of the Gridiron Greats
Assistance Fund
“The response from the active players to ‘Gridiron Guardian Sunday’ has been amazing. The money is certainly needed and will go a very long way. While it is absolutely not the responsibility or obligation of active players to do this, it means the world to the retired players. Knowing that the active players care enough to help those who came before them has bridged an enormous gap.”
--Mike Ditka, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Board Member of the Gridiron
Greats Assistance Fund
“The fact that there are so many guys out there in desperate need of help, when something could be done by the owners and the union, is shameful. While they spend their time making excuses, we are committed to providing whatever help we can to improve the lives of so many of the men that played this great game. In this season of giving it is absolutely wonderful what Kyle and these active players are doing by reaching out to the retired players who are need.”
--Gale Sayers, Pro Football Hall of Famer, Board Member of the Grifiron
Greats Assistance Fund
"Kyle Turley donated an entire week's pay and I want to be one to help. I have been lucky in my sport and have had no surgeries. Maybe we can embarrass them. Gene Upshaw should have been fired years ago as far as I am concerned."
--John McEnroe
