September 1, 2016 ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS
John Banaszak (Steelers, Panthers; 1975-84) is in his 5th season as head coach at Robert Morris College outside Pittsburgh. Oliver Gibson (Steelers, Bengals; 1995-03) is in his 2nd season as head coach at his alma mater Romeoville High School in Romeoville, Illinois near Chicago. Jason Gildon (Steelers, Jaguars; 1994-04) is in his 2nd season as head coach at Cardinal Wuerl North County High School in Butler County, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. Earnest Graham (Buccaneers, 2003-11) is in his 3rd season as head coach at North Ft. Myers High School in Ft. Myers, Florida. John Holecek (Bills, Chargers, Falcons; 1995-02) whose team won the 2015 Class 8A state title, is in his 11th season as head coach at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. Todd Johnson (Bears, Rams, Bills; 2003-09) is in his 6th season as head coach of his alma mater, Sarasota Riverview High School in Sarasota, Florida. Napoleon Kaufman (Raiders; 1995-00) who is the Senior Pastor at the Well Christian Community Church, also is in his 3rd season as head coach at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California. Dave Logan (Browns, Broncos; 1976-84) is in his 5th season as head coach at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado near Denver. Irv Pankey (Rams, Colts; 1980-92) is in his 4th year as head coach (but 19th year on staff) at the College of the Sequoia in Visalia, California. Pat Surtain (Dolphins, Chiefs; 1998-08) is in his 1st year as head coach at Plantation American Heritage High School in Broward County, Florida. Response from coaches, family and friends to last week’s request to let us know where NFL alumni are coaching was overwhelming. For example, Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Marv Levy sent an email letting us know that one of his former players, John Holecek (Bills 1995-2000), was now defending state champion high school coach in Wilmette, Illinois. Please keep sending us information regarding what you are doing in your post-NFL life by emailing NFL Alumni President Joe Pisarcik joe.pisarcik@nflalumni.org
Appeals Delay Concussion Settlement
As many of you know, August 30, 2016, was the deadline for a last ditch effort in appealing the terms of the Concussion Settlement to the U.S. Supreme Court. There was one request for the Supreme Court to review the lower courts’ finding that the Settlement was fair and reasonable. Attorneys representing the late NFL player Cookie Gilchrist have filed that petition. Additionally, at least two (2) other applications allowing for an extension of time to file additional Supreme Court requests were granted, giving opposing players until September 19, 2016, to decide whether or not to file their appeals. Given these developments, benefits to all players will be delayed until the Supreme Court provides notice on whether or not they will entertain any request for the Settlement to be reviewed. The Supreme Court has up to one hundred twenty (120) days to decide whether there is any merit to a further review of the Settlement.
Which Pro Football Hall of Famer Earned His MBA from the prestigious University of Chicago? A) Willie Davis (Browns, Packers; 1958-1969) B) Ron Mix (Chargers, Raiders; 1960-1971) C) Alan Page (Vikings, Bears; 1967-1981) ANSWER
WATCH COMMERCIAL
Did you know prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer? One in seven U.S. men will be diagnosed with the disease in his lifetime. NFL Alumni Association is partnering with Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to spread the word about the importance of prostate cancer screening. Three of the NFL's best-known head coaches — Bill Cowher, Dick Vermeil and Herm Edwards star in PSA's that will air nationally throughout September. READ MORE
Player Care Foundation
NFL Alumni has been a charter member of the NFL Player Care Foundation since it was formed in 2007. Since that time, $11 million dollars have been distributed to alumni to cover the costs of emergencies such as family funerals, medical needs, pastdue house mortgages & rents, utilities etc. The next meeting of the Player Care Foundation, which also includes League office and Pro Football Hall of Fame representatives on its Board, is November 5th in Philadelphia. If you have a sudden personal financial need, contact the Foundation at 1-800 NFL GOAL (800-635 4625). Please don’t be too proud to ask for help!