Gay Culverhouse, NFL forge partnership

A new partnership designed to benefit retired NFL players was announced jointly Tuesday by Commissioner Roger Goodell, former Buccaneers president Gay Culverhouse and NFL Alumni Executive Director George Martin.

Details of the plan include the hiring of case workers, the development of a toll-free hotline and outreach efforts aimed at retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and Culverhouse's Player Outreach Program.

"NFL clubs are committed to doing the right thing for former players," Goodell said. "There are very comprehensive benefits and services available, but too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs. By working jointly with Gay Culverhouse and the NFL Alumni Association, we can take a proven program, expand it on a national basis, and do a much better job of identifying our retired players who are in need."

Culverhouse, daughter of former Bucs owner Hugh Culverhouse, has been a passionate advocate for former NFL players.

"I am delighted that we have formed this new partnership to allow even more former players to receive vital information and benefits," said Culverhouse.  "Our Player Outreach Program has accomplished a lot, and our model works.  By joining with the NFL and the Alumni Associates, I know we can reach many more former players and their families."

In recent years, the economic and medical distress of some former NFL players has received national publicity. During the summer, the Tampa Tribune, Channel 8 and TBO.com ran a series of stories highlighting the issues.

"As the largest association of retired NFL players in the country, and as advocates for those former players, this is a natural partnership for NFL Alumni,'' Martin said. "I have been so impressed by what Gay Culverhouse has accomplished, and delighted to be able to bring this outreach program to our former players throughout the country."