Feeling blitzed in their fight for improved benefits, more retired NFL players are becoming active in union-related issues.
Currently, the only voice retired players have with the union is through a retired players steering committee that serves as an advisory to the active players. Former Baltimore Colt Bruce Laird said the only way for the active players and NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw to understand the plight of many retired players is for the latter to have a seat at the negotiation table. But for that to happen, the NFLPA must change its bylaws.
“The Players Association has made it loud and clear that they don?t represent us,” Laird said. “Until the active players change their bylaws, getting a bigger voice is futile, and we might as well forget about it.”
At issue is how retired NFL players receive their benefits. Right now, the owners designate money that goes toward benefits, and the NFLPA decides how to use those funds. Last year, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to a nearly $120 million increase toward improving benefits that included a 25-percent increase in pensions for players vested before 1982.
“Our position has always been to help those players in need,” said NFLPA director of communications Carl Francis. “This includes help with medical and disability benefits among many other programs that we have to help make their transition easier after their careers are over.”
While retirees like Laird are appreciative of the improvements made by the active players, he is not sure today?s players understand the plight of some of the older retired players who can?t afford the proper medical care for career-related injuries.
“All we want is a voice,” Laird said. “The steering committee has no budget, no authority and no influence in the process.”
Ravens kicker and player representative Matt Stover took steps toward improving communication between the two groups at last month?s NFLPA convention by spearheading an effort to pass a resolution to invite two members of the steering committee to address the general session of the NFLPA?s board of representatives.
Jean Fugett, president of the retired players steering committee, said getting today?s players to understand the struggles of previous generations is not an easy task.
“The guys in the locker room today are a lot different than the guys in the locker room from years ago,” Fugett said while addressing a group of former Baltimore Colts recently. “It?s a lot more difficult to get their attention and to get them to realize that they won?t be playing forever.”
UPCOMING STORIES
Look for these stories in the next few weeks as The Examiner continues to shed light on the plight of retired NFL players:
» The blame game: While many former NFL players point to the union for not improving benefits, many others claim the owners are at fault.
» The price of fame: The debate surrounding the long-term physical effects of playing in the NFL, especially pertaining to head injuries, continues to swirl.
» Help, with an asterisk: A number of programs are available to help needy players, but it can be very difficult to qualify for assistance.
