Herb Adderley
Hall of Famer Herb Adderley’s commitment to his former teammates has never been questioned. Since his playing days Herb has been one of the strongest voices for solutions to issues related to retired players. While much of his work has been behind the scenes, Herb’s most notable advocacy was serving as the class representative for over 2,000 former players in Adderley v. NFLPA, which resulted in a $28.1M verdict that was later settled for $26.1M. Because of Herb’s dedication to protecting football’s past, many of you will soon be receiving your portion of this settlement.
With that said, you can understand our deep apprececiation when Herb sent the following e-mail to his good friend Fourth and Goal and NFL Alumni Board Member Jerry Kramer. Herb has graciously approved our sharing his e-mail below.
JK-64,
The struggle for better benefits, and better treament towards the retired guys is not about me JK,… It`s about ALL of the retired guys, especially the 2062 guys who are involved in the Historic lawsuit… I am about bringing PEACE, and Reconciliation with the current guys so that we can all come under one roof… That being the NFL Alumni Association in Ft. Lauderdale… I read where you are on the board with 4th & Goal, and that`s a good thing with Bruce Laird… I met Bruce, and was in his company a few times during the trial in San Francisco, & during the HBO interview for the Braynt Gumbel show… He has proven to me that he`s about helping, and bringing ALL of the retired guys together, therefore, I am with him, and 4th & Goal 100%… You guys can count on my support in any way that I can help the cause… I am also convinced that De Smith is a honest, and sincere man… It was a pleasure to meet him during the press conference in DC on June 5th announcing the settlement of the Historic lawsuit… He`s about ALL of us, and he will speak for the retired guys if given the chance by the organized group in Florida… I believe that he will improve the benefits for us in the near future… With De, the current players, and the commissioner agreeing to listen to, and do something about the issues, is great for ALL of us…De understands that there is a huge market for the retired guys, and when we ALL come together under one roof, some nice pay days could happen from the marketing opportunities… The use of the NFL Shield, along with the contributions from the owners, and the NFLPA will help us to get things started… Without the use of the NFL Shield, and money donated by the owners, and the NFLPA it will be very difficult for the different groups of retired guys to succeed… The guys need to understand that ” TOGETHER WE STAND, & DIVIDED WE FALL “.
Stay Well, and In Touch, Love you man !!
Herbie #26
Herb’s integrity made my job as a lawyer for the 2062 class members easy. The jury completely believed every word Herb said.