GIs of the Gridiron

DAV Magazine, Sept-Oct, 2005 by Thom Wilborn

National Football League teams have the opportunity to score big with their fans this fall when they showcase the inspiring new DAV documentary feature, "GIs of the Gridiron." This video is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of outstanding professional football players while serving in defense of our nation.

Featuring football luminaries Roger Staubach, Rocky Bleier, Art Donovan, Chuck Bednarik, Eddie LaBaron, Chad Hennings, and others, the program traces the service and sacrifice of professional football players from World War II to the current Iraq War and War on Terrorism. The video is being provided to every National Football League team, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the NFL Players Association, and other organizations and learning institutions.

"The video presentation is filled with stirring stories from the men who became heroes on the battlefield as well as the football field," said National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. "I know this program will touch the heart of every American who sees it. It is a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans."

A case in point is Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier, who was severely wounded during combat in Vietnam. "His determination to recover from his wounds and return to his football career was just as strong as that displayed by our current wounded soldiers and Marines coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan." Wilson said.

The program begins with the stories of World War II veterans and Pro Football hall of Fame members Art Donovan of the Baltimore Colts and Chuck Bednarik of the Philadelphia Eagles, along with Al DeMao of the Washington Redskins. They are joined by Eddie LaBaron of the Redskins who describes his experiences as a U.S. Marine Corps platoon leader during the Korean War, and Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys and Steeler Rocky Bleier telling their stories of the Vietnam War. Chad Hennings of the Dallas Cowboys relates his experiences as an A-10 "Warthog" pilot during the Gulf War, and Bryce Fisher of the Seattle Seahawks, now serving in the Air Guard, talks about his experiences during the current conflicts.

There also are special portions of the program that highlight three Medal of Honor recipients, who played professional football, the two NFL players who died in Vietnam and a tribute to Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, a U.S. Army Ranger who was killed in Afghanistan.

"Their stories will relate to millions of football fans throughout the season," said Wilson. "These giants of the grid-iron once were GIs trying to survive when it wasn't a game."

The DAV's NFL outreach program also features specially designed autograph cards which current pro football players will give to fans, at public, appearances. Several St. Louis Rams players will hand them out to returning soldiers at the St. Louis airport, to returning wounded at Scott Air Force Base, to patients at VA medical centers, and during school appearances throughout the city. Other NFL teams are being invited to participate in the program as well.

It is our hope that the NFL, out-reach can be as successful as the DAV Day at the Ballpark and the Air Show Outreach programs" said Wilson, "Our outreach programs have touched the lives of millions of Americans, telling the story of our mission to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families. Many Americans are learning through these programs that their biggest heroes were once soldiers."