Retired NFL Players Help

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Retired NFL Players

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The stories of help for retired NFL players are many. The stories are sad, but some stories of help for retired NFL players have hope. The stories are all heard and addressed by the GGAF office. Some NFL retired players help stories lead to good news, good endings, good results, progress and success. In just a few years, the GGAF has given more than $2,500,000 in grants and medical assistance to retired NFL players. The requests and need continue to come in from retired NFL players asking for help, guidance and assistance. More work needs to be done to help retired NFL players in need. More awareness needs to be made. More monies need to be raised. The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is helping these retired Gridiron Greats. Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is making a difference. Here are a few of the retired NFL player stories:

William “Fridge” Perry, the legendary former Chicago Bears star, needed medical and financial help with his fight to battle Guillain-Barr Syndrome. GGAF helped the retired NFL player with medical expenses and secured his treatment and rehabilitation through a pro-bono medical facility.
Former Defensive Tackle with the Cleveland Browns suffers from post traumatic stress disorder from his playing days, degenerative disc disease, denied line of duty disability GGAF has provided some financial help for groceries, utilities and plumbing repair. Working on helping him medically.
Dwight Harrison NFL player for 11 years with the Broncos, Bills, Colts, Raiders lives in a FEMA trailer with no running water. Suffers from head injuries and post-concussion syndrome—shortterm memory, inability to concentrate/ focus, severe depression. GGAF has provided help to the retired NFL player by providing funds for utilities, food and basic needs.
Former Tampa Bay Bucs – GGAF has helped the retired NFL player with mortgage, auto payments, electric, health insurance, car payment.
A former Philadelphia Eagle who played in the 1990’s and is too injured to work, and receives no disability, was provided with funds for his utilities and other financial assistance.
A former wide receiver with the Pittsburgh Steelers was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis aka Walter Payton’s disease and needs a liver transplant. He suffers from anxiety and depression and has been unable to work. GGAF has helped the retired NFL player with funds for medical care shelter, food, utilities and basic needs.
A retired NFL player from the New England Patriots who cannot work due to medical conditions was assisted with rent payments, utilities and food.
A former Green Bay Packer, from the Lombardi era, received financial aid to funeral expenses for the sudden passing of his wife.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer who played from 1990-1993 is severely injured, unemployed due to health, was provided help with rent, utilities and food.
A retired NFL offensive guard who played 10 years with the Oakland Raiders suffers from Dementia as well as a myriad of medical problems including orthopedic, kidney issues. Skyrocketing medical costs and his need to be in an assisted living facility has caused a huge hardship on his family. GGAF has provided help to the retired NFL player by paying for shelter, medical insurance premiums and utility bills.
Former San Diego Charger, homeless and living in his automobile, dealing with many medical and social issues. GGAF provided funds and help in securing temporary shelter
A retired NFL player with the Minnesota Vikings suffering from brain damage due to concussions was provided with funds for mortgage payments, and monetary help for dental needs.
A former Chicago Bear received funds to help with expenses for care needed while suffering from dementia
Former running back with the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a kidney transplant. His friend/ former teammate donated one of his kidneys. He slipped into a coma while having an operation performed and was provided with funds for medical insurance, shelter, and utilities.
Former Denver Broncos defensive end was bedridden due to spinal injuries from playing football. He has had heart surgery and has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. GGAF has provided the retired NFL player with help for shelter, medical bills and medical insurance premiums.
In dire need, a retired Jacksonville Jaguar received financial help for food, living expenses, medicine and health care. GGAF also secured from a private donor, a vehicle for basic transportation.
Former kicker with the Vikings, Eagles, and Packers was forced out of football because of a hip injury. He’s been diagnosed with a brain disorder and cannot work. GGAF has provided monetary help for housing, utilities, and medications.
A former defensive end/tackle with the Lions, Bills, and Bucs was severely injured in the NFL and has difficulty sitting or standing for any period of time is unemployed. GGAF has provided funds for medical bills and shelter.
A retired line backer with the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams had spine surgery and suffers from anxiety and depression. He has been unable to work. GGAF has provided funds for medical care, shelter, food, basic needs, and utilities.
A former Chicago Bear and New Orleans Saints who played 7 years for the NFL suffers from numerous medical conditions including diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, chronic hypertension and severe neuropathy. He has been unable to work and receives $88 a month from the NFL as his pension. GGAF provided monetary help to the retired NFL player for basic needs.

A retired NFL player from the Buffalo Bills received monetary help for medicine, food and clothing. GGAF also placed him in a detoxification program to assist with addiction to painkillers and GGAF assisted in securing placement with a pain management physician.
Former line backer with the Packers, Eagles and 49’ers suffers from severe football related injuries and lives with chronic pain and very little mobility. He has endured seven surgeries on his left shoulder, two surgeries on his neck, four surgeries on right shoulder, and eight surgeries on his right triceps muscle. He needs a hip replacement and currently collects no disability. He is a single father raising two sons. GGAF has provided funds for shelter, medication, utilities and basic needs.
A former All Star player with the Dallas Cowboys, Chiefs and Bengals has had over 18 surgeries due to football related injuries. He has metal in knees and shoulders, a broken neck and disks removed in his back. He has suffered from cancer, which spread, and no form of chemotherapy could help. His medications cost in excess of $4000 per month and insurance does not cover the cost of his medications. GGAF provided monetary help to the retired NFL player for medication and conducted a public donation drive—He passed away this year.
Former linebacker with the Kansas City Chiefs encountered high medical bills for his spouse was provided payment for utilities.
Former Tight End with the Kansas City Chiefs was suffering from severe football related injuries specifically the spine. GGAF has provided pro bono spinal surgery, hotel stay for him and his spouse, paid for injections prior to surgery, gas, tolls, food.
Former Defensive Tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles suffers from prostate cancer GGAF paid for cost of medical visits to a specialist in his area that his benefits would not cover.
Former Tight End for the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears suffers from numerous debilitating pain and injuries from football leaving him unable to work. He receives no disability. GGAF has provided 4 months of rent plus late fees, paid for new engine & a/c compressor for truck, paid for hotel stay and cardiology appointment prior to surgery, paid for 2 round trip flights so he could receive surgery, received pro bono spine surgery, will be receiving neck surgery but had to receive a sleep study test which we have paid for – neck surgery will be in coming months.
Retired NFL Defensive Back for the NY Giants, Kansas City Chiefs lost his home and car due to loss of income; GGAF has provided monetary help for electric bills, phone bills and outstanding medical bills.
Retired NFL Defensive End for the Greenbay Packers and Baltimore Colts is totally disabled and in constant pain, unable to work and needed medical and financial help. GGAF has provided 3 months of mortgage, food, clothing, spinal evaluation, flight and hotel for medical stay.
Former Defensive End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered financial and medical hardships. GGAF provided rent and moving expenses to help get the family back on their feet.
Former Running Back for the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered financial hardship due to employment issues. GGAF paid for 2 months of rent to keep the family in their home.
Former Placekicker for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles is totally disabled due to tumors on the brain and is unable to work. GGAF has provided financial help for medications, utilities and rent.
Retired NFL Defensive End for the Denver Broncos living with ALS and wheelchair bound. GGAF paid for health insurance, helped with mortgage payments, and 2 months of hospice care.
Retired NFL Running Back for the Green Bay Packers unable to work because of injuries. GGAF provided the retired NFL player with monetary help for rent, utilities, food, and medicines.
Former Tight End for the Houston Oilers, San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs has Parkinson Syndrome, is completely paralyzed and wheelchair bound. GGAF paid for water bill, homeowners insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, loan repayment, electric bill, payment for Medicare payment.
Former Offensive Tackle for the Oakland Raiders and Minnesota Vikings unable to work after suffering 2 strokes. GGAF helped the retired NFL player with rent, car repair and insurance and electric bill to keep from service disconnect.
Former Running Back for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins suffered financial hardships. GGAF helped the retired NFL player by paying for property tax bill to avoid foreclosure.
Former Cornerback for the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Colts and Oakland Raiders suffers from dementia. GGAF provided food & basic needs, truck repair, water bill, electric bill, phone bill, gas card.

A retired defensive end that played 11 years with the Redskins, Cardinals, and Buccaneers had suffered many head injuries while playing. He underwent brain surgery and is now experiencing isolated memory loss. GGAF has provided help with monetary funds for shelter and medical bills for the retired NFL player.
Former Guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers under financial hardship after both he and wife lost jobs. GGAF paid for gas bill and provided ct cervical spine test pro bono – will be receiving pro bono spine surgery in coming months.
Former Defensive Back for the San Diego Chargers suffered financial hardship. GGAF provided the retired NFL player with monetary help for car loan payment, sewer/water payment, two electric payments.
Former Tackle for the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions is diabetic and suffered medical and financial hardship. GGAF paid 2 months of rent and back rent. Working on getting him pro bono medical services.
Former Defensive End for the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins has heart condition. GGAF provided the retired NFL player with monetary help for a new AC unit to ease the high temps where he lives.
Former End for the Detroit Lions – GGAF helped the retired NFL player by paying for all funeral expenses, back debt and united states treasury tax bill.
Former Defensive Back for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns lost job and lost home to foreclosure. GGAF paid for 2 months rent.
Former Defensive Back for the Cincinnati Bengals suffered financial hardship while taking care of an ailing parent. GGAF helped the retired NFL player by paying for mortgage payments.
Former Dallas Cowboy – GGAF helped the retired NFL player by paying for medical bills, utilities, rent, food.
Former Defensive End for the Minnesota Vikings – GGAF provided help for the retired NFL player by paying for 3 airfares, 3 sets of hotel stays at 7 days each, food, car rental, pre – op tests, has received two spinal surgeries pro bono.
Former Defensive Tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs suffered multiple football injuries which created financial hardship. GGAF provided monetary help to the retired NFL player for 4 round trip airfare tickets to receive medical care, paid for 4 hotel stays during hospital visits, paid for MRI and evaluations, receiving pro bono medical care and will be receiving 2 different surgeries in coming months.
Retired NFL Safety for the Houston Texans confined to a wheelchair. GGAF provided health insurance payments for 2 months, supplied player with a years supply of medical supplies for his disability, paid for medical scooter repair.
Former Halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, passed away, and GGAF provided rent for his widow.
Retired NFL Cornerback for the St Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions under financial hardship after job loss. GGAF helped the retired NFL player by paying for rent and back rent.
Former Minnesota Viking – GGAF provided help to the retired NFL player by paying for utilities, mortgage, phone.
Former Tight End for Arizona Cardinals suffered financial hardship after loss of job. GGAF provided help for the retired NLF player by paying his mortgage payments.
Former Running Back for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions suffered financial hardship after loss of job. GGAF provided mortgage payments to help the retired NFL player.
Former Offensive Tackle for the San Francisco 49er’s, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers fell on hard times financially. GGAF paid for 2 months of rent and back rent to help keep the retired NFL player from being evicted.
Retired NFL Punter for the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers retired after back surgery and has had chronic back and joint pain. GGAF provided help for the retired NFL player by paying for 3 round trip airfare tickets, 3 sets of hotel stays, paid for medical clearance tests, paid for therapy, received pro bono back surgery and will receive two knee surgeries in coming months.
Former Fullback for the Cincinnati Bengals living with debilitating pain and unable to get insurance coverage from the team. GGAF paid for medical clearance appointments, 4 roundtrip airline flights, 21 days of hotel over surgical stays, received two knee replacements pro bono, paid for rental car, paid for post therapy in home town.
Retired NFL Offensive Guard for the Minnesota Vikings was homeless and suffering from brain damage from multiple concussions. GGAF provided help for the retired NFL player by paying for dental work, truck repair, contact lens, car rental, two brain scans, more automotive repair and medical bills.
Former Philadelphia Eagle – GGAF helped the retired NFL player by paying for rent, gas, electric, hotel stay for medical evaluation, food and transportation, pro bono back surgery.
Former Dallas Cowboy – GGAF provided help for the retired NFL player by paying for food, clothes, medical bill, flights for medical evaluations, hotel stays.
Former Green Bay Packer – GGAF helped the retired NFL player by paying for food, basic needs, rent, utilities, and medication.
Former Buffalo Bill – GGAF provided the retired NFL player with monetary help for food and basic needs, electric, phone, gas, rent, electric.
Retired NFL Dallas Cowboy – GGAF provided monetary help to the retired NFL player by paying for gas bill, medical insurance premiums, water bills, mortgage, electric, medication.