We played at the same time of the century. I was a member or the original Fearsome Foursome with the Detroit Lions and the LA Rams. I can give you one of my knees – I wish you the best.

Holy Cow – 32!

Take Care,
Roger Brown

As a medical social worker x 20+ years, I have worked with a number of orthopedic surgeons in the St. Louis area and am familiar with your legacy among the NFL sports fans of my era.

Reading your blog has truly pulled at my heartstrings. I hope you guys can find a way to enlighten some of our aspiring young High School players as well. Not to dampen their spirits per se, but rather to give them the additional guidance that would have potentially optimized your own outcomes, had you known then what you know now.

Thank you for having the humility to share your personal challenges as you go on the face them down with the dignity and grace as two of the game of football’s most inspirational heroes.

Sincerely,
Marilyn Muckerman MSW, LCSW

Thanks for all the kind and true facts about Bernie. He’s the real man behind our cause. Without him we wouldn’t have gotten this far. I appreciate you keeping everyone informed and letting everyone know the real man behind our cause.

Thanks for keeping me informed and motivated – I’m able to advance your cause with my book tour. I did a radio show in St. Louis Wednesday with a recently retired player and he asked what he could expect now that he’s retired. I told him to stay in shape and expect no help from the Union.

Thanks for all your help. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Conrad Dobler
St. Louis Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills
1972 – 1981

P.S. – I still have my leg but will only get 30 percent bend and it’s the last one they can do. The next one, I will lose the leg.

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

I saw your article in CNNSI today. Congrats, buddy. I am going to write a piece on AOL Black Voices to speak to African American athletes and those interested in playing pro sports about the fabulous work you’re doing. I empathize with your plight and I’ve seen the devastation of professional sports up close.

Be well my friend,
Boyce Watkins

I’m sitting in a nursing home recovering from my first knee joint replacement of last week. You are one tough old goat, my cowboy friend. This ache is more than I care to have right now and the thought of 32 is tough to imagine.

I’ll buy that book for the Steamboat Springs grandkids so you can sign a few.

Have a great Christmas season and hopefully your strength will be the fulcrum we’ll use to get past this injury situation of the NFL.

Best to you,
Larry Kaminski
Denver Broncos
1966 – 1973

You deserve better. Good luck on the 32nd surgery and I hope Santa brings you another Titanium knee.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mike Pyle
NFLPA President, 1967

Matt Sappington

You’re an amazing person! Thank you for your courage that you continue to show ALL of us.

I certainly hope that you have a successful surgery.

What has happened to you and your family is grossly wrong and illegal.

The disability plan for the NFL violates their own plan document and the Bell/Rozelle Retirement Board “breaches their fiduciary duty” to the retired player and their beneficiaries.

The “Duty of Care” at section 8.8 of the plan document is a gross violation along with section 5.2 where they allow physicians (NFL doctors) to make employment decisions.

The plan is failing in their fiduciary duty to act with skill, care, and prudence and diligence they are required to exercise.

NOTE: Congressman John Conyers Jr., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, on Thursday called another hearing regarding brain injuries in football. It is scheduled to be held Jan. 4 in Detroit.

It sure would be nice if ALL the witnesses were under oath when answering questions (especially the NFL doctors).

Rep. Maxine Waters said it best at the last hearing in Washington DC on 10/28/09 when she told Commissioner Roger Goodell, “It is time to remove the anti trust exemption.”

Hang in there, Conrad -we’re ALL pulling for you! I’m ordering a copy of your book!

Sincerely,
Dave & Heidi Pear

You’re amazing to be able to deal with another surgery let alone your 32nd…

This should never happen – so much needs to be done.

I pray that this will be a successful operation so you never have to have number 33. (Course you always wanted to be a running back!)

Ken Burrow
Atlanta Falcons
1971 – 1976

I support Plans like the 88 Plan but I believe that we must fight now for Plans that will be there for Brothers like you who are experiencing life-changing medical situations as well.

Your “Colored” buddy,
Bob Grant and Katherine Grant