NFL Former Players Charity Fourth and Goal Foundation Donates $20,000 To Mike Ditka's Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund

CHICAGO, Feb. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bruce Laird, Sylvia Mackey, John Hogan and the Fourth and Goal Foundation have donated $20,000 to Mike Ditka's Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund to assist former players in dire need. Both charities have done a tremendous amount of work helping former players and their families.

"The Fourth and Goal Foundation was founded in 2005 in the name of John Mackey and the many dozens of other NFL retired players and their families that were suffering with Dementia and other issues with life after football," Bruce Laird, President of Fourth and Goal.

"It is all about NFL retired players helping each other first before looking to others to do the same, the NFL retired players community is an asset to all 32 NFL teams and the league. The mission of the Fourth and Goal Foundation was to be there with the financial assistance and the support for our own. We have accomplished that over our years of service and more. With our gift to Gridiron Greats who is doing that work for NFL retired players each and every day. We applaud them and the great work that Shannon Jordan and her staff does for the makers of this great game."

Sylvia Mackey states: "I am extremely proud, as a member of the Board of Directors of Fourth and Goal, dedicated to the plight of retired players, to present this check to another most dedicated advocate for retired players, Gridiron Greats, with Mike Ditka at the helm. The entire family of John Mackey is most appreciative of the help that both organizations gave us and other families at a time of need. I look forward to working with and continuing the advocacy with Gridiron Greats."

The $20,000 check is ear marked specifically to aid players and their families who played pre-1993 and received very little pension or other benefits. This issue was addressed in the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement and pre-1993 players were awarded a Legacy Benefit; however, many former players and their families are still trying to get back on their feet.

"We are so appreciative to Bruce, Sylvia and the entire Fourth and Goal Foundation for this generous donation," says Mike Ditka. "Both of our organizations have stepped up to help our brothers and their families who needed it most. I am very proud of what our team has accomplished and the direction we are going."

"We are so thankful to everyone at Fourth and Goal for all of their service and dedication to former players and their families. We are extremely grateful and honored you chose us to facilitate these funds," says Shannon Jordan, Executive Director of Gridiron Greats. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Bruce Laird, Sylvia Mackey and John Hogan on many initiatives and thoroughly believe when you work and collaborate with good people with genuine intentions you can always accomplish more. As an independent charity, Gridiron Greats will continue to be the family players turn to for guidance in transitioning to life after football. With support like this from great people and organizations, we can continue to a be a solution for retired players and their families."

About Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund's mission is to assist retired NFL players and their families in dire need. Gridiron Greats provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, transportation costs for medical evaluations and surgeries, housing assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, and coordination of services for food and other day-to-day necessities. Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Inc. is a Wisconsin nonprofit corporation that has received recognition of federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Gridiron Greats are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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SOURCE Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund