I don't know what to make of the letter that circulated today from the group of Pro Football Hall of Famers led by Eric Dickerson. It was sent to the NFL offices, Hall of Fame President C. David Baker, and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith demanding, among other things health insurance and a salary for all Hall of Fame members and threatening a boycott of the induction ceremonies, which is a big deal considering the NFL's 100th anniversary is coming up in 2020.
The letter was signed by a number of high-profile Hall of Famers, including 13 members of the newly-formed Hall of Fame Board. A board that evidently includes Jerry Rice and Kurt Warner, both of whom had no idea they "signed" the letter. Rice even took to Twitter to clarify that, while he supports their cause, he's NOT a member of the Hall of Fame Board and has no plans on boycotting induction ceremonies. Dickerson later took responsibility for the miscommunication.
Taken directly from the opening of the letter: "We, the undersigned Pro Football Hall of Famers, were integral to the creation of the modern NFL, which in 2017 generated $14 billion in revenue. But when the league enshrined us as the greatest ever to play America's most popular sport, they gave us a gold jacket, a bust and a ring--and that was it."
It continued: "To build this game, we sacrificed our bodies. In many cases, and despite the fact we were led to believe otherwise, we sacrificed our minds. We believe we deserve more. We write to demand two things: Health insurance and an annual salary for all Hall of Famers that includes a share of league revenues."
Here's where I'm torn. They have a point. But their demands, especially the one for a salary, seem a bit excessive. Seriously, why should the NFL pay them a salary just because they're in the Hall of Fame? That's absurd! No Hall of Famers in any sport receive a salary. Not baseball. Not basketball. Not hockey. So why should the Pro Football Hall of Fame be any different? It's a preposterous claim! Especially since Reggie White's wife signed the letter, so you know they're including deceased players.
And, they all get a pension anyway! I have no idea how much the pension is per player, but every former NFL player, Hall of Famer or not, has received one since 1959. There's also a 401K and an annuity. The pension, meanwhile, has gone up three times since 2011. The owners have since established the "Legacy Fund" as well, which increased benefits by $620 million, with the owners' contribution coming out of their share of league revenues.
Now, I'm not gonna get into their complaint about the Commissioner's salary (although, $40 million is kinda ridiculous) or their criticism of the $1 billion Hall of Fame Village that's currently under construction in Canton. But it certainly does feel like they're simply making a play to get a piece of the pie. Which, again, is a little unwarranted. Especially since they've, for the most part, have plenty of money already. And, most if not all, have sources of income other than their NFL pensions!
Although, it doesn't seem like the salary isn't the heart of the issue. It seems to me that their biggest concern is health insurance. And that one is much more reasonable. Because they're right. Everyone knows the long-term effects that playing football can cause, so they do deserve lifetime health care benefits, whether that comes from the league or the union or the Hall of Fame or some combination of the three.
Dickerson spelled out the exact cost of health insurance for every Hall of Famer in the letter. He figured it would cost the league less than $4 million a year, which is less than a 30-second Super Bowl commercial. Or, roughly three cents for every $100 the league generates. When put in those terms, those health insurance costs don't really seem like a lot. And there is probably some sort of happy medium that can be reached in that regard.
One of their main goals appears to be just that. They want health insurance for all former NFL players, not just Hall of Famers. Beyond just what's included in the pension. Beyond the lump sum they receive from the concussion settlement. Reasonable, lasting health care paid for by the NFL. I have no idea how much that would actually cost the league, but it does seem like there's definitely a number that can be reached.
Bottom line is it might've come off as somewhat greedy, but I think the point of the letter was more to bring these issues to light. And, as Dickerson correctly pointed out, this is about more than just those lucky enough to have earned football's highest honor. It's about "all my offensive linemen who blocked for me, the tight ends, receivers, and everyone I played with." It's simply a matter of giving those former players a voice. And people are more likely to pay attention when it's the Hall of Famers spreading the message.
And I doubt they'll follow through on their threat to boycott the induction ceremonies, especially the one that'll kick off the Centennial Season. Even if they do, this is just a small group of Hall of Famers. The others will surely be there. I have a feeling they'll be joined by Eric Dickerson and Co., too. This letter was designed to get a point across and start a conversation. Point made. Now get talking and come up with a solution.
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