What do you have to do?  It’s easy!  Just watch the video on the Old Forester Facebook page and Old Forester will donate $1 to Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.

Up to a total of $10,000!!

We can do this together!  Help us bring that dollar amount higher by watching the video and sharing this promotion with your friends.  The more people who know about the promotion, the more the video will be viewed, and the more money will be raised for Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.

How many people can you tell?  Show us what you’ve got!  Please, take a minute or two of your time to watch the video and share the promotion.  Every view and share means a lot.  Thank you for your support.

Click Here to Watch the Video on Facebook.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalist Chris Doleman

Endorses Browser App To Make Online Shopping Rewarding

Former NFL star and 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist Chris Doleman and his company Pro Auctions will work together with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF), to create a unique online shopping experience.  Gridiron Greats provides financial and medical assistance to retired NFL players in dire need.  With the help of the GIVING ASSISTANT, a revolutionary new browser app that directs a portion of the proceeds spent by online shoppers to non-profit organizations in need, Doleman aims to raise funds and awareness for GGAF. The GIVING ASSISTANT is a free download powered by GlobalMojo, a socially conscious technology company based in Seattle and San Francisco.
 

The GIVING ASSISTANT installs seamlessly into your favorite browser in seconds (available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer) and notifies you of more than 1,000 participating partners when you are shopping.  Each time an online purchase is made with an approved merchant, a percentage of sales is automatically redirected to programs supported by the GGAF, at no additional cost to the shopper. Whether shopping for yourself or buying gifts for others, planning travel, or making simple household purchases, a simple click of a button helps to provide hands-on assistance and financial support to retired NFL players who are dealing with hardships encountered after life on the football field.

“We are very excited that Chris Doleman and GlobalMojo will work together with our charity on this revolutionary program,” said Shannon Jordan, Gridiron Greats President. “Our collective goal is to get these great men and their families back on their feet, and we believe this program could significantly contribute towards reaching that goal.”

Doleman, a former defensive end who played for the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers from 1985 to 1999, is no stranger to philanthropy. His company, Pro Auctions (http://www.chrisdolemanproauctions.com/), is an online service to charitable and non-profit companies that integrates social media and fundraising by hosting online auction events in order to raise awareness, increase exposure, and ultimately raise more money for GGAF and other organizations. Doleman is currently one of 15 finalists for induction into the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“I am very excited to be working with GlobalMojo to create the Gridiron Greats Giving Assistant,” says Doleman. “The real life stories of hardships of some of the leagues former players is heartbreaking and I want to ensure that I do all I can to help.”

To download the GIVING ASSISTANT and for more information about Gridiron Greats, visit http://www.gridirongreats.org/givingassistant.
 
 
 

Now’s your chance to get to Indy!

Bid on ultimate Super Bowl VIP ticket packages from Gridiron Greats!

Be there when the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots, plus participate in VIP experiences and events leading up to the big game, including:

• Super Bowl XLVI Tickets
• Once-in-a-lifetime experience with Coach Mike Ditka at ESPN’s NFL Countdown in Indy
• Meet and greet with Kyle Turley at The Gridiron Super Hoedown featuring The Kyle Turley Band
• Super Bowl XLVI Official NFL Tailgate Party tickets
• VIP tickets to Jim McMahon’s Swang N’Super Bowl Bash 2012
• Tickets to Diamond Crown Cigar Bar Party
• Limited Edition Hall of Fame Medallion Set

All proceeds benefit the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.

Head over to the eBay Auction Cause and Bid on Gridiron Greats Super Bowl Packages Today!

First Auction ends in 2 days!  The second auction ends in 4 days!
 
 
 

“You Can’t Catch Sunshine By Don Maynard and Matthew Shepatin - Foreword by Joe Namath

Contact: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312.252.1248, b.ames@triumphbooks.com

From his days as a youth in rural Texas to his brilliant football career with the New York Jets to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987, talented wide receiver Don Maynard’s love of football is what made him a legend. Maynard writes of his treasured time as a football player in the NFL, AFL and CFL and most notably, his role in getting to and eventually pulling off the most unlikely upset in football history in his brand-new autobiography, You Can’t Catch Sunshine.

Maynard was an NFL ‘reject’ known for his improvised running patterns as an AFL star receiver. His retired #13 jersey for the New York Jets proved those NFL scouts to be very wrong. Maynard shares many of these intriguing stories and the most memorable of his personal life and playing career, including:

• Playing in the ‘Greatest Game Ever Played’ during his rookie season in ’58
• Being the first man to touch the ball in that historic first overtime
• Jumping off a high board into the hotel’s freezing pool on a dare from his teammates
• The following day, having his career-best game in the regular season in the Heidi Bowl
• The great tandem, partnership and friendship with quarterback Joe Namath
• Maynard’s ‘Million Dollar Catch’ in the AFC Championship Game in ’67
• Doing the impossible with the incredible Super Bowl III upset of the Baltimore Colts

This endearing story of perseverance and determination in You Can’t Catch Sunshine sheds new light on both the memorable performances Maynard achieved as a football player while winning an unlikely Super Bowl ring with close friend Joe Namath and becoming one of football’s greatest playmakers. As the first wide receiver (NFL or AFL) to gain 10,000 yards, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and All-Time AFL Team member, the Hall of Famer holds an incredible individual record of excellence.

Maynard, with his notable humble personality, lays it all on the line and reflects on all of his amazing experiences while sharing insights about behind-the-scenes moments in the locker room and what went on between teammates who played together for months at a time each season. He accomplished his dreams, fought through the hard times and will inspire others to do the same in You Can’t Catch Sunshine.

About the Authors:
Don Maynard was the first wide receiver to eclipse more than 10,000 yards in his career. He caught more than 50 passes for more than 1,000 yards in five different seasons. A member of the All-Time AFL team, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

Matthew Shepatin is a New York­-based author and journalist. He is the author of Then Madden Said to Summerall: The Best NFL Stories Ever Told. He is also a contributing writer on The Enlightened Bracketologist: The Final Four of Everything and The Mad Dog Hall of Fame: The Ultimate Top-Ten Rankings of the Best in Sports. His stories on American culture, entertainment, and sports have appeared in Esquire, the Los Angeles Times, New York magazine, Playboy, Black Book, Radar, Slate, and the Village Voice.”

Purchase You Can’t Catch Sunshine on Amazon.

Major felt helping great players who paved the way and helped make American Football what it is today was important. When asked why he wanted to acknowledge them and raise money to help, Major’s response was “because it’s The Wright Thing to Do”.

The Major Flavor cupcake is a sheer delight. The buttercream frosting sits atop of a fluffy vanilla cake infused with a light creamy pecan filling, drizzled in caramel. Fans who tasted it say it melts in your mouth.

“Major Flavor cupcakes will be on sale every Friday and Saturday at Swirlz, 705 N. Belden Street, beginning this Friday Dec.16th through Tuesday, January 31st.” Said Swirlz owner Pam Rose. We encourage all Bears fans to but a cupcake as a way of showing their support for former great players in need.

This is all part of Major Wrights Random Acts Of Kindness campaign. Past acts have included treating fans and U.S. service men and women to lunch at Subway and picking 400 families in need to treat with a weeks worth of groceries and turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. Follow Major on Twitter @lilmade21 to see what he’s doing next.

Kyle Turley, who is a member of the Board of Directors for Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists retired NFL players financially and medically, has proved to be a serious musician with a big heart.  Kyle has donated proceeds from his Gridiron Tail-Gate Tour to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund as well as all proceeds from downloads of his new song “Fortune and Pain.”  Next, he’ll be playing at Gleason Gras, raising money for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Kyle Turley has been a tremendous help in raising awareness and funds for Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.  Many people do not understand that pioneers of the game are suffering financially and medically.  They weren’t paid the salaries players today are receiving and most players can’t afford medical insurance. Many former players require several surgeries in order to function on a normal level, but also many suffer from traumatic brain injuries relating to the concussions they received during NFL games.  Unfortunately, Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund sees many cases involving ALS, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other serious diseases in former NFL players.  Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund will be donating signed memorabilia to Gleason Gras to help raise money during the silent auction for ALS.

Here’s what Kyle Turley had to say on his website about Gleason Gras:

“This is a call to ‘ALL’ of my Facebook family!…November 27th myself, along with a all star line up of New Orleans music, will be performing in Champion Square next to the Super Dome to benefit one of the Black & Golds finest sons & my friend ‘Steve Gleason’. For those that are unaware, Steve is suffering from ALS (aka Lou Gehrigs disease) & in the biggest fight of his life he has braved the public attention to stand toe to toe with this epic opponent. Please join me & the many others for this event as we raise awareness & give Steve the corner crew he deserves! Tickets are only $20 & the Saints play the Giants the next night for a Monday night football weekend you don’t want to miss! If you live in New Orleans or have been looking for that excuse for that trip you’ve been want’n to take, I’ll see you in the crowd!…Respect & love to all \,,/ – KT”

Musical acts at Gleason Gras include: Better Than Ezra, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Papa Grows Funk, MyNameIsJohn Michael, Theresa Andersson, Stanton Moore, Kyle Turley Band, Paul Varisco & the Milestones, and Kristin Diable.

Gleason Gras is produced by the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation in conjunction with the Saints and Rehage Entertainment.  The event will feature local bands, a silent auction, a children’s area with inflatables provided by the New Orleans Saints, autograph tent with New Orleans Saints players, raffle for a Super Bowl guitar, food from local restaurants, merchandise tents, and a chance for fans to see The Lombardi Trophy from Super Bowl XXIV, all from 11am to 6pm.

Tickets to attend Gleason Gras are $20 plus a $3 service fee and went on sale November 11, 2011.  Attendees can purchase tickets online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the New Orleans Arena box office, weekdays from 9am – 4:30pm.

Gleason Gras is being held in an effort to raise awareness of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and to raise money for The Gleason Initiative Foundation and the Gleason Family Trust. The Gleason Initiative Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit founded to help others with ALS and work toward a cure. The Gleason Family Trust is for those who wish to support Gleason, his wife and the couple’s young son.

NFL Announces Distribution of $620 Million Legacy Fund Benefit For Pre-’93 Retired Players

The NFL and NFL Players Association have reached agreement on how to distribute to retired players the $620 million “Legacy Fund” that was established as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“Nothing the league can do can ever fully express our appreciation to the players who helped build our league,” said Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “However, the Legacy Fund is a significant step, especially as the benefits apply to the older players.”

The new benefit has three important points:

• Players will receive these pension increases for their lifetime, not just the duration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, and that of their eligible beneficiaries.

• Current benefit payments to retirees and their beneficiaries/former family members will immediately be increased to no less than $600 per month, regardless of the form of benefit. In addition, this $600 per month floor on benefits will apply for players who are not yet receiving pension payments, based on electing a life annuity or joint & survivor benefit.

• In addition to the floor of $600 per month, the new Legacy Fund benefit credit will be added to players’ current monthly pension checks. If a player is over 55 and already receiving his pension, then he will receive in his monthly check an additional $124 per season for seasons before 1975, and $108 per season for seasons beginning with 1975 and continuing through 1992. If a player is over 55 and not yet receiving his pension, the additional Legacy Fund payments will be slightly higher when he starts his pension. If a player is under 55 and takes his pension early, his Legacy Fund addition will be lower.

After discussions with the leaders of several retired player groups – including MIKE DITKA, CARL ELLER, BRUCE LAIRD, WILLIE LANIER, GEORGE MARTIN and RON MIX – the formula for pension increases was agreed to by the NFL and NFLPA, and was designed to give larger increases to those retirees who played in the league’s earliest years.

This new benefit applies to more than 4,700 players who were vested in the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle Player Pension Plan prior to 1993, regardless of whether they are currently receiving a pension check.

Players currently receiving pensions will receive an immediate increase in their payment for seasons before 1993. For players who are not yet receiving their pension, their pension credits for seasons before 1993 will be increased through the Legacy Fund.

Details of the Legacy Fund benefit were communicated today to retirees.

Below are two examples of how the Legacy Fund benefit will greatly increase monthly pension payments to many retired players:

• There is a 10-year veteran player who retired in the 1960s who has been receiving a $200 monthly pension. The Legacy Fund benefit will increase his monthly check to $1,840.

• Another 10-year veteran who retired in the 1970s will see his monthly check increase from $165 to $1,810.

“In Because It Was Sunday: The Legend of Jack Youngblood, readers and football fans will get an unprecedented, candid account of the remarkable life journey of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Jack Youngblood, who played 14 hard-nosed seasons with the Los Angeles Rams from 1971 to 1985.

From humble beginnings in the tiny Monticello, Florida — hanging out at the gas station with his father, raising bird dogs, hunting quail, crating watermelons — Youngblood emerged as an unlikely American sports hero. Tested by tragedy and overwhelming odds, Jack built himself up from a scrappy, overachieving linebacker, into an All-American at the University of Florida, and finally evolved into one of the NFL’s most ferocious competitors.” – from www.YoungbloodBook.com

The book also includes never before published photographs, conversations, and stories.

During his football career, Jack Youngblood performed more than 150 sacks, was voted consensus All-Pro five times, played in seven consecutive Pro Bowls, was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1975, and the Rams’ MVP three times.  In 2001, Youngblood was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Order today and receive a signed copy of Because It Was Sunday: The Legend of Jack Youngblood.

What would make watching football with your friends even better? How about the ultimate Miller Lite homegating experience – cheering on your favorite team with a famous football player in your very own living room!

Miller Lite is inviting fans 21 and older to take their football-watching to the next level by giving them the chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime homegating experiences with former greats Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Ahman Green and Jonathan Ogden. Not only does the experience include talking shop with a football legend over a great-tasting Miller Lite, but the winning bidder will get complimentary food and beverages to enjoy with their friends during the game.

All of the proceeds of the auction will benefit the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, a non-profit organization providing financial grants and medical assistance to retired football players in dire need. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues, which include coordination of social services to retired players who are in need because of a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions.

“Since the football season is heating up, we want to give fans the chance to taste greatness and have an awesome homegating experience with their friends and some phenomenal former football players,” said Kevin Oglesby, Miller Lite marketing director. “There’s no better way to watch a game — hanging out with a football legend while enjoying delicious food and great tasting Miller Lite, all while raising money for Gridiron Greats.”

Fans can check out www.ebay.com/MillerLite to bid to have the following players join their Miller Lite homegate:

• Ahman Green: Sunday, October 23 (Green Bay at Minnesota)
• Emmitt Smith: Sunday, November 20 (Dallas at Washington)
• Jonathan Ogden: Sunday, December 4 (Baltimore at Cleveland)
• Barry Sanders: Sunday, December 18 (Detroit at Oakland)

The auctions are open to residents 21 and older in the 48 contiguous United States; winners must reside within 75 miles of a major airport. The auction component is being managed on eBay by Auction Cause, a premier online auction management agency specializing in high-profile design, strategy, and cause marketing for corporations and nonprofits worldwide. For more information, visit AuctionCause.com.

The next auction, with Emmitt Smith, begins November 9th and November 16th, 2011. For more information, visit ebay.com/MillerLite.

Below you will find stories of retired NFL players who Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund has helped during the past couple weeks. Names have been removed for confidentiality.

• Former Defensive Tackle, played for the Patriots, Chargers and Seahawks, is permanently disabled. His daughter moved in to take care of him and take him to dialysis 3X a week. Mounting medical bills are putting a financial strain on them. GGAF provided financial assistance to pay doctor’s and utility bills
• Former Defensive End for the Buccaneers, Steelers and Panthers, can’t work because of health problems and is having financial difficulties. GGAF provided financial assistance to pay mortgage and utility bills.
• Former Tight End for the Cardinals and Bears, is disabled and facing financial hardship due to the economy and medical problems. GGAF provided financial assistance to get power turned back on and pay other utility bills.
• Former Wide Receiver, played 12 years in the NFL for Steelers, Colts and Redskins, suffering from multiple medical problems, experiencing severe financial hardships. GGAF provided 2 months of rent.
• Former Wide Receiver, played for Bears, Steelers and Lions, bed-ridden and in dire need of financial assistance to help with quality of life. GGAF provided financial assistance to pay bills.
• Former Linebacker, played 13 years in the NFL for the New York Titans and Jets, has increasing medical expenses. His pension barely covers his rent and prescription costs each month. GGAF provided 2 months of rent, and about 6 months of prescription cost.
• Former Linebacker, played for the Colts, Lions and Seahawks, facing foreclosure and mounting financial hardships due to football related injuries and depression. GGAF provided financial assistance to pay his mortgage and utility bills.
• Former Defensive Tackle, played for the Browns, is in constant pain daily, facing financial hardships. Has to choose to buy food or medicine. GGAF provided financial assistance to pay for food.

We are proud to have helped so many retired NFL players. We could not provide assistance to these men without support and donations from corporate partners and supporters like you. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make positive things happen for these Greats during the last couple weeks. Thank you to our corporate partners who provide us with free and discounted services, making all things possible. Thank you to our medical program partners who provide pro bono services for these Great men. Thank you to the fans who send us their generous donations. Thank you.