The Chicago Tribune recently ran a piece on former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka who has recently become more active working on behalf of retired NFL players and their lack of medical benefits provided from the NFL Players Association. NFL representatives have stated that the league has improved its benefits programs for former players with the help of the late NLFPA President Gene Upshaw. Ditka was visiting a Belmont Village assisted living facility in Glenview that has been designated as one of the league-sanctioned living quarters for former NFL players. In addition to the assisted living facilities, the plan includes a joint replacement provision as well one that aids former players afflicted by dementia. The players association has negotiated discounted rates and special services are made available to former players at three leading national assisted living providers – Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.; Belmont Village L.P., and Silverado Senior Living, Inc. For more information on the NFLPA’s programs, click here.
