GRIDIRON GREATS ASSISTANCE FUND

MEET SOME OF THE CONTRIBUTORS TO THE CAUSE

“Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who have made a contribution”

Make a donation now                                     Check out the auction

The Gridiron Great Auction will be ongoing with new items added frequently. Due to the success of Phases I & II of the Auction and Donation program, it has been decided to continue the auction indefinitely to aid retired NFL players in dire need due to the lack of adequate pension and disability.

The response has been overwhelming, fans from across the country have paid top dollar for some of the items in the first phase of the auction, and even more people form across the country have made cash donations and continue to do so.

Meet some of the people making donations or bidding on the items to hear what they have to say! Tell us what you think

Mike of Canyon Country, California, is the high bidder for Mike Ditka’s 1975 NFC Championship ring, purchasing it for $12,200.  “Being a big fan of the game and a fan of the players that the fund is assisting, I am more than happy to help. Of course I was excited about the chance to bid on the ring and own such a part of football history, but also after reading about what Jerry Kramer, Coach Ditka and the others are doing, it really made me want to do something to help. It is really sad to hear some of the stories and things these guys have had to go through. Thank you for making me aware of this situation.”

Darrel of La Quinta, California donated $10,000 to the cause. “For over fifty five years I have been directly or tangentially involved in NFL football.  From age nine, my father, who was the timekeeper for the Los Angeles Rams (1946 to 1970), would take me down on the field at the Coliseum for the games.  The men I saw as a young boy, Bob Waterfield, Elroy Hirsch, Norm Van Brocklin, Tom Fears, Tank Younger, “Deacon” Dan Toweler, plus all the other NFL greats of the era were my heroes.  They were so much a part of my life, and have provided such wonderful memories that I felt compelled to get involved in Jerry’s marvelous campaign.  Cheryl, my wife, and I will continue to participate in this most worthy cause.”

Bill is the high bidder for the hand-drawn plays by Vince Lombardi, purchasing them for $7,101. "I am a life long Packers fan and grew up watching the Packers as a young boy during the early 60’s. I spent countless weekends watching the games in my basement with my father. He would always emphasize the importance of selflessness and teamwork and how Coach Lombardi was such a great example of what could be accomplished when so many functioned as one, as a team. Those are memories I have taken with me through-out my life and memories I have never taken for granted. That is the nostalgic basis for my involvement.

    All I know is that without those men playing their hearts out on Sunday in the early days of my childhood, the memories I have would not exist today. The sport of Football has evolved into something no one could have predicted those many long years ago. All we enjoy today about the sport is and was built on the shoulders of great men who cared little about recognition; all they knew was the game of football. They persevered through conditions and challenges my generation has not had to endure, and they did it without fanfare; it is just what they did.

    Today, the game is unfortunately sometimes tainted with greed and vanity. Jerry’s cause serves as wake-up call to all of us who share memories like mine. These men that we so cherished and looked up to as kids now need our help. We all have a responsibility to reach out and show our appreciation and to do what we can. Whether a spectator, a player, a coach, or an owner, we all owe these individuals in need our best effort at improving their lives. If I can play a small role in that effort, I am very thankful and hope only the best for all. There are needy people all over the world. This is just another example of how close those needy are to our every day lives. Hope this helps."

Bob from Kelowna, British Columbia donated $500 (USD). “We wish you well with your fund. The old game of the 60’s is truly what created today’s NFL and prosperity. Shame on them!”

Paul donated $500. “As a 6 year old boy, I had the great joy of meeting the Green Bay Packers at Bear Mountain, NY while on holiday with my family. The next year, Mr. Lombardi brought the Packers back to Bear Mountain, and my greatest highlight as a child with the Packers was the fact that through the ribbing I guess from the veterans, Mr. Willie Wood had to pick me up to touch the a moose’s head in the main lodge area outside the restaurant. As a life long Packer fan and shareholder, I was shocked to read about the condition of Willie Wood. I played every game with his determination and felt as if I had a personal contact with him all my sporting years. He still is my favorite all time Packer. I will be mailing out a check for $500.00 for your fund. Do the best you can with this and let Mr. Wood know he is a real champion. God Bless you and all those helping our fellow human beings and heroes.”
                      

Mollie donated $50.  “As in avid football fan since the early the 1980’s, it breaks my heart that the NFL owners are so mean spirited, and I hope you can turn some hearts to a more generous spirit.”

Tom from West Hartford, Connecticut donated $100. “Hope this helps, these veterans of the gridiron deserve better.”

George from Montgomery, Illinois donated $25. “Please accept this donation for the needy NFL players.  Pro football has been a favorite of mine since the 1950’s.  I am so sad to hear that many older players are in need.  I hope this helps.”

Miko from Punta Gordo, Florida donated $100. “You are doing a great thing!  Best wishes to Willie Wood.”

Arlen from Las Vegas, Nevada donated $25. “Wish it could be more, but I’m retired too. Those were the players I respected and cheered for, not today’s!”

Bud from Apache Junction, Arizona donated $100. “I am sending in $100.00 by mail because I believe this is a very worthy cause. Thanks for doing something that the football commissioner, owners, present day players (that are making bundles of money and wasting lots of it) should have done a long time ago.”

Benjamin from Manitowoc, Wisconsin donated $50.  “I heard about your foundation on the Jim Rome show.  I am a lifetime Packers Fan and I could not believe the way Mr. Upshaw and the rest of the NFL shunned these veteran players and their needs.  These players made the NFL what it is today.  I am sending a small donation in hopes that the message gets out to these organizations that they need to help these former players.”

Richard from Ohio donated $10.00. " Keep up the great work. It is a shame that it has to be done, though. A multi-billion-dollar, multi-national monster should have the compassion to assist those who set the foundation to make theleague what it is today."