About Us

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) corporation, established to provide financial assistance and coordinate social services to dire need retired NFL players who are pioneers of the game and have greatly contributed to the NFL's status as the most popular sport in America.

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund provides hands-on assistance and financial aid to help retired NFL players deal with some of the hardships they may encounter after football.  Many of these players lack funds, disability coverage or pension benefits. Thus the GGAF focuses on the humanitarian side of these players, treating them with dignity, and addressing the post-football related issues in their lives. 

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Board of Directors includes Mike Ditka, Gale Sayers, Marv Levy, Greg Brown of Motorola and Jimmy Johnson. There is also an advisory committee that includes Shayne Graham, Jason Kyle, Josh Miller, Chris Jacke, Frank Winters, Jim Andrews, Tom Cundy, Jim Marshall, and Joe DeLamielleure.

The GGAF Board is also supported by a large and prominent group of over 150 retired NFL players and coaches who participate in events and initiatives with the Board and the GGAF to raise awareness and monies to benefit the needs of their former teammates.

The offices of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund are located in Northbrook, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago.  Contact us at info@gridirongreats.org to learn more about the GGAF and ways to support the efforts of the GGAF.

The Need

Many NFL players who helped build, shape, and mold the NFL into what it is today, are paying the price physically, mentally, and emotionally from their on-the-field efforts as an NFL player. 

And some retired players, who played in past NFL eras, have not benefited from some of the benefits and pensions of the modern era.  Hence, they lack adequate disability, rehabilitation, health insurance and retirement programs to allow for, and maintain a quality of life and financial security for themselves and their families.

Today, as a retired NFL player, many players find themselves with physical limitations, medical issues or other hardships.  Many older retired players are unable and cannot cover the medical  and other expenses needed for the treatment of the effects of their football related injuries.

Many of these players are not covered, or adequately covered, by the NFL pension or the NFLPA benefits.  They are faced with the insurmountable costs and have no where to go for help.

And yes, some of these older players, who have given so much to the game during their NFL careers, often feel embarrassed by their predicament, become hopeless, living in loneliness and isolation, desperate for help.

If you are a retired NFL player, or if you know of former player in need of GGAF support, contact the GGAF offices at info@gridirongreats.org

The Fund

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund raises money to be immediately dispersed to retired NFL players, while also funding the GGAF programs and services.  Donations are tax deductible.  The GGAF is registered as a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation with the Internal Revenue Service, a copy of that document is available on request.

The Fund has been established to help retired NFL players with one-time and/or on-going services and/or financial aid.

The idea for the Fund started over 5 years ago…because of a stolen Super Bowl ring.  Jerry Kramer, NFL Hall of Fame lineman for the Green Bay Packers, had his Super Bowl I championship ring stolen.  He subsequently had a replica ring produced.  He later discovered his original ring was being auctioned on-line. The auction company, Mastros Auctions, returned the original Super Bowl I ring to Kramer.  In return, Kramer gave his replica ring to Mastros Auctions where $22,000 was raised.  Kramer founded Gridiron Greats and the $22,000 became the initial capital for the organization.

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is supported through numerous donations and fundraising activities throughout the year including special events, auctions of memorabilia, autograph events, corporate and public donation drives, sponsorships and special Super Bowl related events.

Retired players may apply for temporary assistance for medical costs as well as some of the basic necessities of life including, but not limited to, food, housing, transportation, clothing and other basic needs.

In addition to financial support, the Fund also assists with the coordination and resourcing of other types of assistance that may be available through a variety of different agencies and social services.  Efforts are also made to secure “pro bono” medical care, medications, and other needs specific to the player.

Mission Statement

“The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund’s mission is to assist retired NFL players, who are in dire health and financial distress by providing a means to regain a semblance of dignity and quality of life that every human being deserves. The Fund will support grant applicants through a series of conventional and non conventional fund raising efforts while calling attention to those in need through partnership programs, licensing efforts and public relations events with the set goal of expanding the Funds assets through partnerships with the National Football League and the National Football League Players Association and Alumni”.