Former NFL players who are living with disabling injuries won major victories from the 1993 collective bargaining agreement that increased benefits from $78 million in 1992 to $123 million this year.
In 1992, players such as Jim Otto and Roger Stillwell received $9,000 a year for degenerative injuries from football. But they will receive $75,000 this year, $85,000 for 1995 and 1996 and $100,000 from 1997 through 1999.
Otto, a former Oakland Raiders center, said he has spent $250,000 in medical expenses since his retirement 20 years ago. Former Colts quarterback John Unitas said he already has spent $25,000 to $30,000 for an artificial knee, and will spend nearly the same amount next month for a hip replacement.
"I'm one of the fortunate old players," said Otto, who owns several Burger King restaurants, liquor stores and is involved in numerous business ventures. "I've seen a lot of guys go through a lot of money, liquor, wives and walk away with nothing.
"I'm real happy about the last CBA. It was a long time in coming. Previously, everything had been done for present players. It was nice to see something done for the players who put football on the map."
A player disabled on the field also starts at $100,000 a year, and eventually would receive up to $200,000 for 1997 through 1999. That includes players injured in the past, such as New England Patriots receiver Darryl Stingley and Detroit Lions lineman Mike Utley, who received $48,000 in 1992.
There was also a dramatic increase in money for active players who suffered non-football-related injuries, such as those sustained by the Seattle Seahawks' Mike Frier, who recently was paralyzed in an auto accident. The amount was increased from $18,000 before the new agreement to $100,000 this year and $110,000 for 1995 and 1996. In 1997, it increases to $120,000.