Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx Lends His Support To Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund

    DALLAS, TX, September 25, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF), a nonprofit organization providing financial grants and 'pro bono' medical assistance to retired NFL players in need, today announced support being provided by Grammy nominee and Golden Globe /Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx. Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Chairman Mike Ditka and newly appointed Board of Director, and former two-time Super Bowl winning Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson head back to their NFL roots to accept a financial contribution from Jamie Foxx on behalf of the GGAF. The GGAF's humanitarian efforts and mission are to assist dire need retired NFL players who are pioneers of the game and have greatly contributed to the NFL's status as the most popular sport in America.

"Football has always been very close to my heart. Growing up in Texas, it was a part of our culture bringing families and communities together. As a player, it fostered my development as I learned many life-long lessons. As a fan, I've enjoyed watching the game as long as I can remember - especially the Dallas Cowboys," said Jamie Foxx. "I've come to understand that many of the retired players I've watched and admired over the years are in very stressful situations and need help. "I am very happy to join forces with a great organization like the GGAF in their mission to help people," said Foxx.

Foxx was born and raised in nearby Terrell, Texas where he will be honored Saturday by the city which has designated the day - 'Welcome Home Jamie Foxx Day.'

"It's people like Jamie that make it possible for our organization to provide assistance and financial aid on a continuous basis to retired players," said Ditka. "Jamie, Jimmy and I are proud to be a part of this organization and encourage everyone to support our organization's efforts," said Ditka.

Foxx is continuing his 64-city tour in Dallas by performing two shows at the Nokia Center Friday-Saturday, September 25-26.

FOXX TO HOST GGAF SUPER BOWL XLIV GALA

The GGAF also announced Jamie Foxx as the 'headline' host for the organization's annual Super Bowl gala in Miami. In conjunction with Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, the organization will hold a special GGAF Super Bowl weekend extravaganza beginning Thursday, February 4, that will be highlighted by the 'gala' at the Loews Hotel Grand Ballroom Saturday, February 6. Tickets for the event will be priced at $1,000 for individual tickets and $10,000 per tables of 10. These prices are for a limited time only with all proceeds benefiting the GGAF and going directly back to NFL dire need players.

More than 100 NFL legends who actively support the organization will attend the event to raise funds for the GGAF. The dinner will also honor a first annual 'Gridiron Great Corporate CEO of the Year' and a 'Special Operations Warrior Foundation honoree.'

JIMMY JOHNSON TO HOST BILL FISHBOWL TOURNAMENT

Jimmy Johnson also announced he will chair and host his annual fishing tournament, which will now be called the 'Gridiron Greats Billfish Bowl.' A portion of the proceeds generated by the Gridiron Greats Billfish Bowl will be donated to the GGAF.

In addition to the Gala, the GGAF will take part in this "ultimate fishing tournament," the Billfish Bowl, hosted by coaches Johnson and Ditka. The tournament will take place February 4 -6, 2010 at Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill, a waterfront resort and restaurant in Key Largo, Fla.

The three-day event will bring together some of today's best-known football personalities and sail fishing aficionados. The competitive fishing tournament will involve retired NFL players who support the GGAF and include competition from world-class fishing experts.

"A lot of people don't realize the players who helped make the NFL what it is today are now suffering from what they put their bodies through on the field," said Johnson. "Gridiron Greats does great things for these players. They get players the medical assistance and medications they need, and cover many other health-related expenses. In some cases, Gridiron Greats actually puts a roof over retired player's heads when they can't afford to provide for themselves or their families."

MOBILE GIVING ANNOUNCED BY GGAF

The GGAF also announced a mobile marketing initiative in which people can donate $5 to the Fund by using their mobile devices and texting GG to 90999. The mgive program enlists all wireless providers to support this program.

ABOUT THE GGAF

The GGAF is a non-stock, nonprofit corporation that has been very active in retired NFL player assistance. The organization has provided over $1.5 million in financial aid and medical assistance to retired NFL players. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues, which include coordination of social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions.

The GGAF also provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, food, utilities, automotive payments and childcare.

The GGAF's Board of Directors includes: Mike Ditka, Jimmy Johnson, Marv Levy, Gale Sayers, Matt Birk, Kyle Turley and Greg Brown, CEO of Motorola. The President of the organization is former long-time Chicago Bears executive Ken Valdiserri.

For tickets and sponsorship inquiries for the February 6, GGAF Gala hosted by Jamie Foxx, visit www.gridirongreats.org or by contacting Ken Valdiserri or Shannon Jordan of the GGAF at 847.509.3086.

For tickets and sponsorship inquiries to the GGAF's Billfish Bowl events, interested parties can visit www.billfishbowl.com or by calling toll free (866) 203-2720. This event was formed in conjunction with Digital Capital International Sales and Marketing Group, the parent company of the Billfish Bowl. For further information, Please contact Richard Cipriano, Vice President at 305-608-1690 or Phil Perko, President and Founder at (866) 203-2720 or visit www.digitalcapitalgroup.com.

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