Legendary Chicago Bears coach and NFL Hall of Fame player Mike Ditka said Monday that he wouldn’t trade anything for the pleasure he got from playing 11 seasons in the NFL.
But he says the league needs to own up.
“I know there is a obligation and responsibility and that falls on the hands of the National Football League right now,” he said. “It’s time they settle all these problems right now and take care of the players that need help.”
Ditka says he doesn't think football will go away as a sport. But former players -- including some he coached -- have suffered with symptoms such as dementia, depression and alcoholism that some say are linked to concussions.
“The responsibility falls on the National Football League and it always will,” he told a luncheon forum of business and civic leaders Monday in downtown Chicago. “My dad told me a long time ago that you have obligations and responsibilities in life, to do the right thing. It’s time they do the right thing.
Five thousand former players are suing the NFL due to health problems associated with their playing days.