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Gridiron Greats Dinner Raises Awareness, Money

Tribune Photo By Jessica Balanza

Jim McMahon, former quarterback for the Chicago Bears, was one of about 100 at Mike Ditka's Gridiron Greats Dinner of Champions

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By JESSICA BALANZA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 28, 2009

TAMPA - While most of the nation's attention is on the players who will participate in Sunday's Super Bowl, some of the red carpet was rolled out Wednesday night for NFL athletes from years past.

Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett and Mike Golic were just some of the well-known names at the Mike Ditka Gridiron Greats Dinner of Champions. The event was held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

About 100 players came together to raise money for the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which helps retired NFL players in need of some extra cash, and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarship grants to surviving children of military members who passed away.

"It means a lot to be invited, said Eric Dickerson, former running back who played for Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders and Atlanta Falcons. "It's sad the league doesn't help out more. The NFL wouldn't be what it is without the retired players."

Tickets went for between $250 and $1,000 and included a night of dinner, comedy by Tom Dreesen and gambling.

Reporter Jessica Balanza can be reached at (813)865-1518.

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