Former NFL great Deacon Jones does not consider himself the voice of a football generation or some kind of revolutionary leader.
But Jones three years ago was among the first of what could become a significant number of past NFL heroes spurning annual Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, over what they think is unfair and exploitive treatment by the league.
"I'll starve to death before I let them (mistreat) me like that," said Jones, a Hall of Famer who was a star defensive lineman for 14 NFL seasons. "I don't know if I started a movement, and I didn't plan to do that. I just said this is what I have to do.
"I can't let you (mistreat) me. If you don't support me, I can't support you. I haven't asked any other player to do anything. It's on their own if they choose not to go."
But many more enshrined players indeed are missing the Hall of Fame event or threatening to skip it beginning next season.
Feelings of abandonment
For decades, one of the images the NFL has proudly projected has been the new Canton class framed by rows of enshrined legends in the background, all wearing their gold Hall of Fame blazers. More of those seats will go empty, as pre-1977 NFL players believe they have been abandoned.
"We want some equity," Hall of Famer and 14-year NFL great Ted Hendricks said. "They'll keep saying they (pay homage) to us, but they don't."
At the heart of the loosely organized Hall of Fame boycott is the NFL's subpar pension plan for players who began their careers before 1977, when federal courts ruled the league was violating anti-trust laws.
Those who began their playing careers after 1977 have earned much better pension and insurance benefits. And those whose careers began after 1995 enjoy superb benefits, including 401(k) and annuity plans
Saying no to hypocrisy
But while the NFL rakes in $6 billion a year and thrives as a league, pre-1977 players receive poor pensions and no health insurance.
Many players consider it hypocritical to support the NFL's annual tribute to the past. In their minds, it is more style than substance. The NFL, many former players believe, has forgotten the past and the players who lifted the game to unprecedented heights.
"Until this (stuff) gets right, I can't do that. I can't go there and smile," Jones said. "My conscience beats me to death.
"It hurts. I'm in the Hall of Fame. My recognition will go on forever, and I've done all right (financially). But there are a lot of guys who put a lot into this game, and it seems like the league just rolled on past them, doing nothing for them."
Another particularly painful issue for past players is the Hall's exploiting their names and legends. Until last year, Hall of Fame players were expected to pay their own travel and accommodation costs for the trip to Canton. Players also were expected to sign autographs for hours, earning $3 per signature.
Some players scraping by on pension checks of $800-$1,200 a month and having to pay for their own health insurance felt insulted that the NFL would use them in such a way but not listen to their calls for better benefits.
"A lot of the guys really were upset about that because we did all the work and we had to pay our own way," Hendricks said. "The autograph sessions were a calamity. There we were trying to help, but all the dealers would grab up all the tickets, and two weeks later they'd be selling stuff on eBay for quite a bit more than $3."
When Roger Goodell took over as NFL commissioner for Paul Tagliabue, who fully backed NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw's stance regarding pension benefits for pre-1977 players, some believed their voices might finally be heard. Upshaw was reported to be on his way out as NFLPA chief.
But last week, Upshaw reportedly agreed to a five-year extension on his NFLPA contract, which pays him $3 million a year. Prospects dimmed for pre-1977 players. The ranks of legendary players returning to Canton figure to thin as a result.
"I'm watching the pioneers of the game cripple up and die with no dignity and no money for their family," former NFL defensive back Bruce Laird said. "To see their struggle and then hearing the same stuff from the league ... I tell the players now, 'This is going to be you. As soon as you leave the game, they're going to forget you.'
"It used to be at the Hall of Fame (ceremonies), the whole back was just full of players. It wasn't full this last time, and you're going to see less next time."
Said Jones, who attended 19 consecutive Hall of Fame induction ceremonies before beginning his boycott: "What would I tell (Goodell)? Every year when I was going to the Hall of Fame, we had the big luncheon.
"I would get two hours with the commissioner in the same room, talk to him personally. I used that opportunity a lot. I talked about the problems we have.
"Talking to Gene Upshaw — that's a waste of time. (Goodell) is aware of the problem. They're all aware. We've discussed it for 19 (straight) years. ... They refuse to give us any power. I'm afraid nothing's going to change."
All the NFL's greatest generation wants is representation on the NFL's Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle Retirement and Disability Plan board. All those players desire is a seat at the table.
Until they get that, they will — and should — leave the chairs empty at the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
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