Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson Once Was to Boycott Induction Ceremony if These Two Demands Aren’t Resolved in Quick Time

Pro Football happens to be a violent sport, and players often become victims of lifetime injuries, post-retirement. Apart from their hefty salaries, athletes don’t get covered enough to sustain their physical and mental health. As a result, they often end up draining their entire life savings. In order to tackle this situation, Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson came up with a unique proposition once.

The former LA Rams and the Indianapolis running back asked for health insurance coverage for all Hall of Famers. In 2018, he claimed that if his request was not considered seriously, then he would boycott the upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. He even sent a letter to the Pro Football Hall of Fame president to that effect. Along with him, 21 other Hall of Fame Board members also signed the letter, which consisted of Marcus Allen and Lawrence Taylor.

The 62-year-old star got inducted into the elite list of HoFers in 1999. Currently, he focuses on challenging league policies and achieving the fundamental rights of a player. He emphasizes the hard work and injuries that come along with this sport. Hence, there is a need to focus on the welfare of such men who have made the game as great as it is.

According to the reports shared by CNBC, in 2018, the veteran sent an official letter to the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFL Players League Executive Director, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame President.

Although he is fighting for the HoFers right now, Dickerson revealed that he will extend this proposition to all the athletes playing in this League. However, it will take some time because it happens to be a gradual process.

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The veteran launched sharp arrows at the upper brass making policies in the NFL. Especially Roger Goodell, who takes home a hefty salary of $40 million. Looking at the current revenue generation of the NFL, these demands can be easily fulfilled, said Dickerson in his letter.

Eric Dickerson explained the hardships faced by retired players in the league

Nothing comes for free. All those luxuries enjoyed by NFL athletes have to pay a hefty price in the form of physical disabilities in the future. “I want health benefits for every player that ever played in the National Football League,” Dickerson said in his letter at that time.

“Many of us Hall of Fame players can’t walk, and many can’t sleep at night. More than a few of us don’t even know who or where we are. Our long careers left us especially vulnerable to the dangers of this violent sport, especially those intentionally hidden from us,” he added.

Indeed players like Tua Tagovailoa, and Damar Hamlin happen to be live examples of this very notion. Although they have recovered from serious injuries, their mental and physical stability in the future cannot be guaranteed. Especially those who have suffered a severe concussion.

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