Ken Hambleton: Ex-NFL players try to revive local group
The other day in Omaha, Danny Noonan, one of Nebraska’s all-time great defensive players, bumped into Aaron Graham, one of NU’s all-time great offensive players.
“I had just gotten my eighth or ninth knee scope and was going to rehab,” Noonan said. “Aaron was just coming out of the place and said he had just had his 15th and 16th knee surgeries.
“He said it best, ‘It’s like getting your teeth cleaned,’” Noonan said.
The two former All-Americans and NFL players are part of a group of about 30 former NFL players living in and around Nebraska.
Nonnan, a former Lincoln Northeast standout, and former NU and NFL players Tom Ruud and Jim McFarland have revived the local NFL Players Association chapter.
“We’re hoping to get all the guys who have had NFL contracts in the area together to do some charity work and help each other as well,” said Noonan, a wealth adviser for Carson Wealth Management in Omaha.
Among the plans are a coordinated trip to the Children’s Hospital in Omaha, a football day camp, and determining how to distribute NFLPA scholarship money.
“We also want to be available to help with the plight of some guys who need help,” said McFarland. The average age of death for American males is 78 and the average age of death for those who played three years or more in the NFL is 57. Stories of former players struggling with finances, injuries and life in general are common. Just recently, Herschel Walker discussed his personality disorder that brought him close to suicide.
Twenty months ago, former Husker Andra Franklin died after an extended illness and extensive financial troubles.
“Not everybody who played in the NFL is wealthy and healthy,” McFarland said. “There are programs and there are changes in old programs for former players and we can help keep those former players up to date.”
Many of the local former NFL players will take part in the one (note one) golf tournament for former Huskers on Friday.
McFarland said he hopes the local organization can build some momentum this year.
In the age of smaller newspapers, here’s a rundown of the top sports stories that really need little explanation beyond six words:
* Spring Game tickets more than $100.
* Pederson fired. Callahan fired. Osborne hired.
* Pelini hired. Defense will be priority.
* Student paper upsets Pelini, Heineman.
* Tiger finishes second. Ratings down.
* NFL mock draft speculation covers gamut.
* Stonehenge dig reveals Red Sox jersey.
* Too many contenders in NHL playoffs.
* Too many contenders in NBA playoffs.
* Soccer again considered fastest-growing sport.
* Marathoners dream of downhills and tailwinds.
* NASCAR COT racing: Follow the leader.
* Cubs win. Cubs win. Cubs win.
* USC, LSU lead preseason football polls.
* Lincoln/Omaha stadium/arena plans promising.
* Weather causes chaos for spring sports.
* Royals win again. How many more?
* Husker volleyball team reloads or rebuilds?
* Beasley, Mayo, Walker to NBA.
* Still no contract offer for Bonds.
* Red Sox, Yankees, blah, blah, blah.
* Column topic stolen from Tallahassee Democrat.
* Baseball fantasy league leader bores workmates.
* College coaches cash millions; tuition rises.
Reach Ken Hambleton at 473-7313 or khambleton@journalstar.com.
“I had just gotten my eighth or ninth knee scope and was going to rehab,” Noonan said. “Aaron was just coming out of the place and said he had just had his 15th and 16th knee surgeries.
“He said it best, ‘It’s like getting your teeth cleaned,’” Noonan said.
The two former All-Americans and NFL players are part of a group of about 30 former NFL players living in and around Nebraska.
Nonnan, a former Lincoln Northeast standout, and former NU and NFL players Tom Ruud and Jim McFarland have revived the local NFL Players Association chapter.
“We’re hoping to get all the guys who have had NFL contracts in the area together to do some charity work and help each other as well,” said Noonan, a wealth adviser for Carson Wealth Management in Omaha.
Among the plans are a coordinated trip to the Children’s Hospital in Omaha, a football day camp, and determining how to distribute NFLPA scholarship money.
“We also want to be available to help with the plight of some guys who need help,” said McFarland. The average age of death for American males is 78 and the average age of death for those who played three years or more in the NFL is 57. Stories of former players struggling with finances, injuries and life in general are common. Just recently, Herschel Walker discussed his personality disorder that brought him close to suicide.
Twenty months ago, former Husker Andra Franklin died after an extended illness and extensive financial troubles.
“Not everybody who played in the NFL is wealthy and healthy,” McFarland said. “There are programs and there are changes in old programs for former players and we can help keep those former players up to date.”
Many of the local former NFL players will take part in the one (note one) golf tournament for former Huskers on Friday.
McFarland said he hopes the local organization can build some momentum this year.
In the age of smaller newspapers, here’s a rundown of the top sports stories that really need little explanation beyond six words:
* Spring Game tickets more than $100.
* Pederson fired. Callahan fired. Osborne hired.
* Pelini hired. Defense will be priority.
* Student paper upsets Pelini, Heineman.
* Tiger finishes second. Ratings down.
* NFL mock draft speculation covers gamut.
* Stonehenge dig reveals Red Sox jersey.
* Too many contenders in NHL playoffs.
* Too many contenders in NBA playoffs.
* Soccer again considered fastest-growing sport.
* Marathoners dream of downhills and tailwinds.
* NASCAR COT racing: Follow the leader.
* Cubs win. Cubs win. Cubs win.
* USC, LSU lead preseason football polls.
* Lincoln/Omaha stadium/arena plans promising.
* Weather causes chaos for spring sports.
* Royals win again. How many more?
* Husker volleyball team reloads or rebuilds?
* Beasley, Mayo, Walker to NBA.
* Still no contract offer for Bonds.
* Red Sox, Yankees, blah, blah, blah.
* Column topic stolen from Tallahassee Democrat.
* Baseball fantasy league leader bores workmates.
* College coaches cash millions; tuition rises.
Reach Ken Hambleton at 473-7313 or khambleton@journalstar.com.
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