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NFL Retired Player News August 2013

Dear Retired Player:

It’s THAT time of the year again!

We are heading to Canton, Ohio tomorrow for the Golden Anniversary Reunion at the Pro Football Hall of Fame which this summer includes the induction of seven new Hall members Saturday night and the nationally televised preseason opener Sunday night between the Cowboys and Dolphins (NBC 8:00 p.m. ET).

The Pro Football Hall of Fame was dedicated September 7, 1963.

More than 125 Hall of Famers are expected to be on hand when the Class of 2013 – Larry Allen, Cris Carter, Curley Culp, Jonathan Ogden, Bill Parcells, Dave Robinson,and Warren Sapp – are formally enshrined. It is a class that brings back memories of Coach Lombardi, whom Robinson played linebacker for in those first two Super Bowl wins, and Hank Stram, who was head coach when Culp arrived as a defensive tackle in Kansas City. The Class also includes Ogden, the first player drafted by the Ravens in 1996 and who becomes the youngest enshrinee ever at the time of his induction (39 years and three days).

(L-R) Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp, former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Chris Carter, former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, and former Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Larry Allen talk football after the announcement designating all four players as the new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2013 Class of Enshrinees at the media center in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the week of NFL Super Bowl XLVII on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)

A full slate of 16 preseason games will be played August 8-11 and then we’ll go right through until Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014.

Also, a reminder: if you have any questions about your retiree benefits, the best number to dial for information is 1-800-635-4625.

Finally, our Player Engagement Department here at the league office provides guidance, assistance and resources for retired players. Former Pro Bowler Troy Vincent and his Player Engagement staff are available by calling them at 1-855-473-2472. Information regarding their programs can be found at www.nflplayerengagement.com.

Enjoy the remainder of the summer.

Regards,

Joe Browne
Senior Advisor to the Commissioner


Seven Clubs Hosting Alumni Events in August

Seven NFL clubs are holding events and reunions for their player alumni during August, including the Carolina Panthers which are owned by former Baltimore Colts receiver Jerry Richardson.

Other teams also have special days planned for the regular season which kicks off on September 5.

A list of the special Alumni Days for August (the email address for the team’s alumni contact also is below):

TEAM

DATE(S)

EVENT

Atlanta  

tstamper@falcons.nfl.com

August 2

Atlanta Falcons Friday Night Lights

(Alumni VIP Reception)

Baltimore

Matt.Little@ravens.nfl.net

August 20 - 22

Aug 20 – Alumni invited to watch practice at team facility

Aug 21 – Alumni day of golf

Aug 22 – Alumni invited to Ravens-Panthers game

Carolina

Steven.Drummond@Panthers.NFL.com

August 9

Alumni Day - preseason home opener vs. Bears

Dallas

ERobbins@DallasCowboys.net

August 22

Alumni Day at practice followed by dinner with the team and coaching staff at AT&T Stadium

Miami

ahake@dolphins.com 

August 29

Alumni BBQ at Training Camp

Minnesota

jonesd@vikings.nfl.net

August 3

Alumni Day at Training Camp

Oakland

MBradshaw@RAIDERS.com

August 5 & 7

Alumni Days at Training Camp

 

Jerry Richardson

 

Panthers owner (and former Colts receiver)  Jerry Richardson is hosting his team alumni at the preseason opener in Charlotte on August 9.

 

     
         

 Ex-Brown Matt Miller Moves from Blocking to Aerospace Engineering

It is often said (mostly by offensive linemen) that offensive linemen are the smartest group of players on the field.

Recognizing hundreds of defensive schemes… understanding blitz concepts… adjusting to constantly shifting defensive fronts. If you listen to them, it’s a wonder all offensive linemen don’t move on to teach engineering at an Ivy League college after their playing days.

At least one lineman did exactly that.

Matt Miller, a fourth round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1979, played four years under Coach Sam Rutigliano before he realized there might be a less stressful side to life than blocking the Steelers’ Iron Curtain.

Miller joined the faculty at Cornell University in 1994 and is currently a full Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department.

He is particularly interested in solid mechanics and the mechanical behavior of metals, engineering alloys, composites and semiconductors.

Miller received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and his M.S. and Ph.D. at Georgia Tech.

“Let’s just say I am definitely a better professor than I was an NFL offensive lineman,” Miller says, “but my time in the league helped shape the work I do now. I wouldn’t trade either of these careers.”

Dr. Matt Miller is just one of many retired NFL players involved in meaningful careers after their playing days.

Below are just 20 of these successful alumni:

PLAYER

TEAM(S)

YEARS

CURRENT POSITION

G Bennie Anderson

Ravens, Bills, Dolphins

2001-06

History Teacher/Head Football Coach, Lift for Life Academy Charter School (MO)

RB Mike Augustyniak

Jets

1981-83

Owner, Augustyniak Insurance Group (FL)

QB Dave Brown

Giants, Cardinals

1992-2001

Managing Director/Co-Head of Private and Real Estate Advisory, Greenhill & Co. (NY)

LB Dan Bunz

49ers, Lions

1978-85

Teacher, Sutter Middle School (CA)

Owner, Bunz & Co. Restaurant (CA)

T Roger Caron

Colts

1985-86

Head Coach, Pomona-Pitzer Football (CA)

DT Ray Childress

Oilers, Cowboys

1985-96

President, Childress Directional Drilling (TX)

DB Dick Conn

Steelers, Patriots

1974-79

Sales Representative, Jostens, Inc. (SC)

G Conrad Dobler

Cardinals, Saints, Bills

1972-81

Chairman/CEO, Superior Healthcare Staffing, Inc. (KS)

Chairman/CEO, Mobile Health Clinics, LLC (MO)

WR Doug Donley

Cowboys, Bears

1981-84, 86

President, Advantage Hole in One (TX)

T Pat Donovan

Cowboys

1975-83

Owner/Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty (MT)

DT Tim Goad

Patriots, Browns, Ravens

1988-96

Police Officer, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

WR Malcolm Johnson

Steelers, Bengals, Jets

1999-2001

Senior Vice President of Real Estate Banking, J.P. Morgan (CA)

WR Dave Logan

Browns, Broncos

1976-84

Head Football Coach, Cherry Creek High School (CO)

QB Oliver Luck

Oilers

1983-86

Director of Athletics, West Virginia University (WV)

T Matt Miller

Browns

1979-82

Professor, Cornell University (NY)

LB Coleman Rudolph

1993-96

Jets, Giants

Financial Planning Specialist, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (GA)

CB Wasswa Serwanga

49ers, Vikings

1999-2001

Associate Management Analyst, California Secretary of State

LB Tyronne Stowe

Steelers, Cardinals, Redskins, Seahawks

1987-95

Pastor, Gospel “4” Life Church (AZ)

WR Calvin Williams

Eagles, Ravens

1990-96

Associate Athletics Director, Purdue University (IN)

QB Marc Wilson

Raiders, Patriots

1980-90

Founder/Executive Managing Director, Q Sciences (UT)

Let us know what you or your former teammates are doing professionally by emailing us at Jon.Zimmer@nfl.com

Matt Miller

Offensive lineman Matt Miller, who played four seasons with the Cleveland Browns (1979-82), is currently a full Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at Cornell University.

 

 Free Cardio & Prostate Screenings During HOF Weekend;
Future List of Screening Sites Includes Super Bowl, Pro Bowl

A reminder that the NFL Player Care Foundation (PCF) is sponsoring free cardiovascular and prostate screenings for you and other player alumni around the country during the next few months. The PCF is an independent organization dedicated to assisting retired players in improving their quality of life. Its membership includes the League, NFL Alumni Association, Pro Football Hall of Fame and the NFLPA.

Upcoming screenings will be this weekend August 2-3 in Canton, Ohio during Pro Football Hall of Fame Weekend.

All retired NFL players are invited to contact Ms. Dana Lihan at the PCF to secure a spot for these screenings. Her contact info is (954) 639-4584 or Dana.Lihan@nflpcf.org. There is no charge for these tests.

Player Care Foundation

  • August 2-3: Canton, OH – McKinley Grand Hotel (Pro Football HOF Weekend)
  • January, 2014: Honolulu, HI – (Pro Bowl Week)
  • January, 2014: NY-NJ (Super Bowl XLVIII Week)
  • TBD: Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH

Since 2008, more than 1,400 retired players have been screened for prostate cancer and more than 1,500 retired players have taken part in cardiovascular screenings through these programs.

 

NFL Life Line (800/506-0078) is Available to Retirees and Their Families

An important reminder that the NFL Life Line (800-506-0078) is a free, independent and confidential phone consultation service available to all members of the NFL family, especially former players and their family members who may need assistance with matters such as mental and physical health, family safety, lifestyle and transition in their post-NFL life.

NFL Life LineNFL Life Line (800-506-0078) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. All calls are strictly confidential and not shared with the league office, teams, or any related entity.

 

Offense, Defense "Almost Evenly Split" on NFL Radio Broadcasts in 2013

Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff decided last month to retire as a radio voice of the Washington Redskins after more than 40 years with the team as player, coach and broadcaster. (Sam still holds it against former Giants coach Allie Sherman for trading him to the Skins in 1964.)

Huff’s retirement “tips the scales” as far as former players now describing the action on game day in local radio booths or as sideline broadcasters for NFL teams.

Thirty-two former offensive players will be in that local radio role this season while only seven retired defensive stars will have that title. (The articulate former punter Greg Coleman again will work Vikings games on radio but, as we know, punters only count when they help win games.)

Hall of Famer Bob Griese and former Dolphins receiver Jimmy Cefalo will be broadcasting back to South Florida the traditional Hall of Fame season opener from Canton this Sunday featuring the Dolphins vs. Cowboys. Babe Laufenberg, who played quarterback for three teams in the late ’80s, again is part of the Cowboys radio team calling the action for fans throughout Texas.

Many other former players work behind the microphone on network television, national radio, pregame and postgame TV & radio shows throughout the year.

A list of former players in local radio booths or in local sideline broadcast roles on game day:

PLAYER

TEAM(S)

YEARS IN NFL

CURRENT TEAM/ RADIO NETWORK AFFILIATE

QB David Archer

Falcons, Redskins, Chargers

1984-89

Atlanta Falcons/ WSTR Star 94.1 FM and WQXI 790 AM The Zone

LB Carl Banks

Giants, Redskins, Browns

1984-95

New York Giants/ WFAN 660 AM and 101.9 FM

RB Hank Bauer

Chargers

1977-82

San Diego Chargers/ KIOZ 105.3 FM

TE Pete Bercich

Vikings

1995-2000

Minnesota Vikings/ KFAN 1130 AM

T Tony Boselli

Jaguars

1995-2001

Jacksonville Jaguars/ WOKV 104.5FM

WR Jimmy Cefalo

Dolphins

1978-84

Miami Dolphins/ WINZ 940 AM and WBGG 105.9 FM

P Greg Coleman

Browns, Vikings, Redskins

1977-88

Minnesota Vikings/ KFAN 1130 AM

TE Chris Cooley

Redskins

2004-12

Washington Redskins/ Redskins Radio Network ESPN 980 AM

CB Eric Davis

49ers, Panthers, Broncos, Lions

1990-2002

San Francisco 49ers/ KNBR 680 AM

QB Len Dawson

Steelers, Browns, Texans (AFL), Chiefs

1957-75

Kansas City Chiefs/ KCFX 101 FM

T Doug Dieken

Browns

1971-84

Cleveland Browns/ WKNR ESPN 850 AM

DT D’Marco Farr

Rams

1994-2000

St. Louis Rams/ WXOS 101.1 FM ESPN

QB Tom Flores

Raiders, Bills

1960-69

Oakland Raiders/ 95.7 FM The Game

RB Hokie Gajan

Saints

1982-85

New Orleans Saints/ WWL 870 AM and 105.3 FM

TE Kendall Gammon

Steelers, Saints, Chiefs

1992-2006

Kansas City Chiefs/ KCFX 101 FM

QB Bob Griese

Dolphins

1967-80

Miami Dolphins/ WINZ 940 AM and WBGG 105.9 FM

T Tunch Ilkin

Steelers, Packers

1980-93

Pittsburgh Steelers/ WDVE 102.5 FM and 970 ESPN

WR Qadry Ismail

Vikings, Dolphins, Saints, Ravens, Colts

1993-2002

Baltimore Ravens/ WBAL 1090 AM

QB Sonny Jurgensen

Eagles, Redskins

1957-74

Washington Redskins/ Redskins Radio Network ESPN 980 AM

S Mark Kelso

Bills

1986-93

Buffalo Bills/ WGR 550 AM

DE Jeff Lageman

Jets, Jaguars

1989-98

Jacksonville Jaguars/ WOKV 104.5FM

G Dave Lapham

Bengals

1974-83

Cincinnati Bengals/ WCKY-ESPN 1530 AM and WEBN 102.7 FM

QB Babe Laufenberg

Saints, Chargers, Cowboys

1986-90

Dallas Cowboys/ KRLD The Fan 105.3 FM

WR Dave Logan

Browns, Broncos

1976-84

Denver Broncos/ KOA 850 AM

DE Marty Lyons

Jets

1979-89

New York Jets/ ESPN NY 98.7 FM

WR Ed McCaffrey

Giants, 49ers, Broncos

1991-2003

Denver Broncos/ KOA 850 AM

C Larry McCarren

Packers

1973-84

Green Bay Packers/ WTMJ 620 AM

QB Warren Moon

Oilers, Vikings, Seahawks, Chiefs

1984-2000

Seattle Seahawks/ 710 AM ESPN

TE Dave Moore

Buccaneers, Bills

1992-2006

Tampa Bay Buccaneers/ WFUS 103.5 FM

WR Mike Quick

Eagles

1982-90

Philadelphia Eagles/ WIP 94.1 FM

WR Steve Raible

Seahawks

1976-81

Seattle Seahawks/ 710 AM ESPN

TE Joe Rose

Dolphins, Raiders

1980-87

Miami Dolphins/ WINZ 940 AM and WBGG 105.9 FM

QB Jim Sorgi

Colts

2004-09

Indianapolis Colts/ WFNI 1070 AM

G Tom Thayer

Bears, Dolphins

1985-93

Chicago Bears/ WBBM 780 AM and 105.9 FM

QB Andre Ware

Lions

1990-93

Houston Texans/ KILT 610 AM

LB Stan White

Ravens, Lions

1972-82

Baltimore Ravens/ WBAL 1090 AM

G Craig Wolfley

Steelers, Vikings

1980-91

Pittsburgh Steelers/ WDVE 102.5 FM and 970 ESPN

RB Ron Wolfley

Cardinals, Browns, Rams

1985-95

Arizona Cardinals/ Arizona Sports KTAR 620 AM

TE Frank Wycheck

Redskins, Oilers, Titans

1993-2003

Tennessee Titans/ Titans Radio Network WGFX 104.5 FM

QB Scott Zolak

Patriots, Dolphins

1992-99

New England Patriots/ 98.5 FM The Sports Hub

Carl Banks

Carl Banks, who helped lead the Giants to two Super Bowl titles as a linebacker, is now a color analyst for local Giants radio broadcasts.

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