NFL Retired Players to Congress: The System Is Broken

Retired NFL players took their fight for more equitable treatment and better disability pay and benefits to Congress and the American people, appearing before a Congressional subcommittee and at a press conference at the National Press Club. In an oftentimes emotional press conference, Sandra Unitas, the widow of Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas told movingly of his struggles with daily living as heard in this video. Also seen is former Jaguars linemen Brian Demarco:

Among the former players appearing before the Congressional committee was Mike Ditka, who told the committee that the NFLPA had been derelict in getting help from the league for former players who suffer from health problems such as dementia and short-term memory loss incurred during their time on the field.

The NFL and the NFLPA have been slow to do make substantial changes in benefits for retirees and have been particularly slow to deal with problems like dementia and mental health brought on by head injuries that successive concussions may have induced. While some benefits were increased with the most recent collective bargaining agreement, much more still needs to be done.