HOT AUCTION ITEM!

“Jerry Kramer and Mike Ditka, I really enjoyed and applaud your comments on the video that I just watched. It is sad that the players today do not appreciate the sacrifice and dedication that the older players had for the game of football and their team organization. The pride and respect that the players had in those days was for the game and not the money. It is disappointing that Gene Upshaw can't make a stand for the yesterday players that started the great history of the national association of football. His salary is so great he doesn’t see beyond himself. Time for a change in the association and show some respect to the older players. We (the older players) will not be around so long that the organization could and should be more willing to see them through the golden years with dignity and grace. Keep up the good work and thank you for taking the stand and shaming the Players Association. It is a disgrace. I am grateful to receive some pension, and I will forever cherish my opportunity that I had to play football for the NFL Cleveland Browns.”

                              - Chet Hanulak, Cleveland Browns 1954-1957

"I believe this is great but the players of today need to step up and maybe donate 5% or so of what they make to help the players of yesterday.  If every player did this, the problem would be solved."

                               - Michael

"I just read about this auction thing, and I think its a good thing. Then, I think a little more and realize that once again its the fans you want to give more money. The fans gave them their salary once. I got a real good idea how about going to the players and saying, 'Hey, you know what, if it wasn't for these old players, there wouldn't be  an NFL. So, how about you guys with all  those millions give to them.' How many players got 40,50 60,100 million dollar contracts. They can easily afford it. There shouldn't even be auctions."                                             

                                 - Saddened by the greed

"I can't imagine what growing up in northeast Wisconsin during the 1960's without the Green Bay Packers would have been like!  We had our Christian religion on Sunday morning and our Packer religion on Sunday afternoon from September through December every year. It's doubtful that any team will ever approach the magic names of Starr, Hornung, Kramer, Wood, Adderley, Robinson, Davis, McGee, Fleming, Taylor, Chandler, Dale, Brown, etc.  It is painful to see that some of our heroes are in desperate need of support.  I hope that all of us who care will help support our team when they really need it."

                                - Tom

"I remember watching you on TV and especially the very first Super Bowl (In fact my father bought a color TV, the first on the block, just to watch that game). We had a living room full of kids as you can imagine and it was one of those memorable moments. Thank you, and I hope your fund makes a great impact on all those wonderful athletes who have fallen on ill times. We should not ever forget what contributions they made to the sport."

"The fact that the NFL even hesitates to help these players is unconceivable. These players sacrificed themselves to make the NFL great. Today’s players should cough up some of their incredible salaries to the old timers! Let's face it, you can't even breathe hard on a QB and heaven forbid your finger touches a kicker!! They owe a large debt of gratitude to the GREATS who didn't make the money or the commercial revenue, but DID sacrifice themselves for today's players’ present protection! I have been a Steelers fan for 30 plus years and have had the honor to meet and thank Joe Greene and Franco Harris for the excitement they had given me over the years, along with the rest of the team's players. I appreciate all the Gridiron Greats. Someone once said, “When you get into the end zone, act like you've been there before.” I can't do a lot, but I'll help these guys. I'd hate for the NFL owners and present players to have to give up their Hummer Limos. Kudos to all of you helping these players! …And I'll be damned if I pay for the NFL Network games!"
                             - Nancy of Pennsylvania

"Hi, I listened to Jerry Kramer on the Jim Rome Show last week. I heard about the former NFL Football players that are pretty much receiving nothing from their NFL pensions. I was a police officer for 15 years in CA and am now a correctional officer in WA. At both places of employment, we had a hardship fund for officers that have fallen on hard times. I contribute $20.00 a paycheck. These funds are available for those officers depending on the circumstances. If every NFL football player committed to helping former NFL athletes, there could be constant revenue coming into the fund. If every player on every team gave $50.00 a paycheck, that would be over $100,000 every payday going into the fund.  All it would require would be meeting with all the players on all the teams and setting a goal for 100% commitment from every player. They will be in those shoes one day and I am sure not all of them will have secure futures. They need to know that this is for them."

“I saw the TV segment with Jerry Kramer on CNN on Sunday. Words cannot even describe how I felt towards these men who made the NFL what it is today. The NFL should be ashamed of the way they assist/manage the financial aspects of retired NFL players.”

"As I grew up as a child near Lambeau Field, we could listen to the games from our backyard as we played football. We all took on the names of our favorite Packers players. I will always bleed Green and Gold, although the military and job has taken me from God’s Country, I always remember riding bikes to every practice we could and wishing we could grow up to be players on the Greatest Team in the history of the game. The great players of the past, when playing was for the love of the game, and not the money, need to be helped any way possible. It is shameful these great stars of yesterday are in this situation. I am proud to see as great a man as you is willing to take on this issue. Godspeed and great job, Jerry.  Thanks for the memories!"

"I am just an average male that loves sports and thinks your idea is wonderful.  Knowing that most signed items for sale online are fakes, it's it nice to have an online auction that helps a worthy cause.  Have you ever considered asking the current players to donate time and autographs to your cause?  It seems that somehow the NFL could assist with having part of the continuing growth of both the excitement of the NFL and your cause.  I am looking forward to bidding on your items."

“It's a wonderful thing that you're doing, Jerry, but it really shouldn't be necessary.  Every bit as obscene as the millions of dollars lavished on today's players is the way that the players of yesteryear have been forgotten. Why can't the league levy a tax on all present day players’ exorbitant salaries to properly fund the retirement of the retired players? It's unforgivable that these older players have been virtually ignored by the league.  If each of today's players went with one less luxury SUV and a bit less "bling", I'll bet the whole problem could be solved.”

"As a kid growing up in the 60’s & 70’s, I had a board game “Jerry Kramer Teaches Football,” and it was fun and educational. Now I see a bigger and more important game: Jerry Kramer Teaches Humanity. Jerry, you were a hero to me as a kid, and you’re a hero to me now… we’re going to call this one “A Touchdown of Touchdowns – Scoring Points for Humanity.” I’ll die bleeding Green & Gold, but with you and others, I’ll play this game for “Team Americans.”

"When my local Newspaper column written by Mr. Jerry Izzenberg informed me of the needs of some of my childhood heroes such as Mr. Willy Wood, a donation is the Least I could do to repay my heroes of yesteryear ESPECIALLY Green Bay Packers for all the pride they instilled in me.

I’m a Union Electrician with local 102 IBEW, and couldn’t fathom where I would be today without the efforts of those who came before me."

                            - Bob, Packer Fan Forever 

"I think what you are doing is wonderful. I've heard many tales over the years about the suffering of the early greats of the NFL. The physical, emotional, and financial difficulties these players have endured has been, for me, very difficult to hear. Even more tragic, though, is how the NFL and the Players Association have turned their backs on them. These players made the NFL what it is today. I have been a life long fan of the game and realize the important part they played in making professional football a beloved American past time. So, thank you Gridiron Greats for showing them someone cares and how we can all do something to help. I will be making my donation today.

A special note to Gale Sayers: You have been my hero since I was a third grader watching football with my four older brothers. Even though I'm female, I wanted to be a running back just like you. Thanks for your greatness on the field and off. Your participation in this organization reinforces why you are still my hero."                           - Lori of Mentor, OH

"Marshall Goldberg played for the Chicago Cardinals in the 40's. He died last
April and had dimentia. Here is a link with some of his info. His granddaughter
named Laura called and donated for the cause. Since her father played in
the 40's he got an incredibly small pension from the NFL."

                        - Shane

"It breaks my heart to hear of the former players of the NFL, falling on hardtimes through many different reasons.  It shameful that the game so many fans love let the former players who established themselves and the NFL as the top sport in the United States and made it one of the richest industries there is.  How can the current NFL and Players Union let them fall to the wayside, especially with the money both make?"

                        - Chad of Appleton, WI

"Jerry, I was just listening to you on the Jim Rome show and I think it is fantastic the things that you are doing to help former NFL players. I just wish with all the money the NFL makes every year that the commissioners office would step up to the plate. I will be watching your web site looking for memorabilia to buy  in the near future."
                         - Brad of Pheonix,  AZ

"I think what you are doing to help the retired players in need is wonderful. I am only 35 and can already tell the difference between the players of today and those that played when it was a game. There are very few players (Brett Favre and Drew Bledsoe in my opinion) that actually play it for the game and not just something to make millions of dollars. The players of the past made football what it is and played for nothing compared to now a days. I can't wait for your VIP book premier, as I will be flying up from North Carolina to be a part of it. I look foward to meeting you and Fuzzy and the others from the Legendary team. God Bless you and what you are doing."
                         - Grimmy

"I just watched Jerry on ESPN News telling about the initiative to help "the iron men who built the NFL." I have loved football since being a toddler and watching the Steel Curtain in the late 70s. I'm a Redskins fan, but also a fan of the NFL. I live for autumn Saturdays to watch the WVU Mountaineers and Sundays for a blessing from GOD to watch the best athletes in the world. I have seen several clips of Jerry Kramer describing how Coach Lombardi pushed him to give his all to the game and try to emulate that in life. My helmet has been retired since 1995, but I still play flag football and celebrate the game every Thanksgiving morning with the "Turkey Bowl" at 8am at our high school field. I have dreams about games and sometimes awaken from those dreams crying because I know I will never play contact football again. I want to help out in some small way to give back to the men Jerry is trying to help, they damn sure deserve it considering that their shoulders are what the NFL stands on today. Jerry and his era Packers are near and dear to my heart because they represent "commitment to excellence" and the Packers are a unique franchise to be respected."
                         - Tony of Philippi, WV

"I just heard Mr. Kramer on the Jim Rome Show in Los Angeles. I can't get enough of it! As a fan of every generation of football (I am 34 and I am an avid Steelers fan), I know of the troubles facing some of the older players. They deserve our respect and help. Without them, we don't have million dollar contracts and television deals worth billions. Without knowing Jerry's number, I wore #64 in high school. Now that I know we shared the same jersey number, I can say what an honor it was. I've heard some of his interviews from the past on ESPN Classics and other shows; I always found him to be very engaging and honest."
                         - Travis of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

"Jerry, I've been a fan of yours and the Packers for years and remember SB I like it was yesterday (I also have a first edition copy of Instant Replay). Your cause and idea are wonderful.  My question is this: Where is the Players Association and where is the NFL on this problem? How can these men be written off by two organizations that are reaping the millions that their efforts laid the ground work for?  It is mind boggling. Good luck with your project."
                         - Bob of Pheonix,  AZ

"I don't know what I can do but I'd like to help in your efforts to raise money for the retired NFL greats that helped to build this great game. I am willing to donate money, help you in your auction efforts or any other way you think I might be of help."
                         - Tom of Fayetteville, AK

"Having been raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, not far from Green Bay, and attending many games begining in the 60's and 70's in Milwaukee and Green Bay, I remember many of these players now hurting or in financial ruins. They devoted their life to a sport that they loved, and money was not a huge concern, but winning was!
                         - Race of Cypress, TX

"When I first read the story about your ring being found, I was very excited for you. One can only dream of your feelings and the relief you had to feel. This is just awesome. Credit needs to be given to the auction company to pull the auction and investigate the item in question. Packer fans applaud them for doing the right thing - returning the ring to its rightful owner. Thanks for sharing your locker room tapes with us. They are something to be proud of."
                         - Don, Packer Fan Forever

"I hope that establishing a fund for NFL retirees in need is successfull. This is something that was needed MANY years ago. Just think of Lional Aldridge and Travis Williams. Both may have benefited greatly if such a fund had been in existence in their time of need. Good luck in your endeavor to create such a fund."
                         - Clark of Ft Meyers, FL

"I was very happy to hear that your Super Bowl I ring was being returned to you! I can only imagine how happy you must be. Also, I think it is great that you are helping retired players by auctioning off your replica ring. I have always been a big fan of yours. You were a great player and, most importantly, are a class individual."
                         - Dale

"Jerry Kramer, on my father's birthday, listening to you on the Jim Rome radio show, it's clear you're the Man who inspired Coach Lombardi, not the reverse. Thank you."
                         - Paul

"I just want to let you know how others view your approach to this (originally) sad story as an exemplification of you as a class and high character individual. A veritable 'chip off the old Lombardi block,' you have and still do conduct yourself in a respectable manner that completely frames the times, teams, and actions of the Lombardi era in Green Bay. Your approach and actions reflected by this story vividly demonstrate what a stand-up, high integrity and sincere person you have continued to grow into. As much as I'm very happy for you and your ability to reclaim many cherished memories, I am extremely proud of you as a human being. I'm certain that Coach Lombardi is smiling down upon you this very instant for bearing witness to what you learned from him in the years he was your teacher, mentor, coach and friend. All I can say to wrap this up is a simple 'Thank you' from the bottom of my heart."
                         - Mike, A life-long Green Bay Packer Fan

"It is remarkable the history and sacrifice all the players have given to the league, the sport, and the fans. I am so glad to hear Jerry Kramer received his ring back and didn't have to pay for it! Thank you, as a fan, for all the entertainment you have given me watching the game through all the blood, sweat and tears."
                         - Shelby

"To some people a ring like that and what it stood for may not be a big deal. But, it obviously meant a lot to you, as it would to me, as well. Cogratulations on another Packers victory!"
                         - Norris of Myrtle Beach (formerly Manitowoc)