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Gridiron Greats Draws Stars For Good Cause

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: January 29, 2009

Updated: 01/29/2009 12:33 am

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

Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett and Mike Golic were among 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 National Football League players in need, and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides scholarship grants to surviving children of military members who have died.

"It means a lot to be invited," said Eric Dickerson, a former running back who played for the 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 ranged from $250 to $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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