Retired NFL Players Still Seeking Better Benefits

The group of NFL retirees that was a part of the labor talks during the lockout last year has not given up their push for better post-career care.

The money they helped gain for their fellow former players was less than what they believe they were promised, and they're eager to argue their case in court.

"I'm going to fight 'em to the end," said Hall of Fame guard Joe DeLamielleure, one of 47 ex-players who signed on as plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in federal court against the NFL Players Association. They've alleged that the current players illegally overreached by determining the retiree share of the $10-billion-a-year business without them.

U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson will hear oral arguments from both sides Wednesdayalso filed a concussion-related lawsuit on behalf of more than 100 former players last month against the NFL in Philadelphia federal court, alleging negligence and minimization by the league toward head-injury risk in the game. Commissioner Roger Goodell said during Super Bowl week the NFL "will not quit" helping "retired players, the current players and future players by making the game safer."

There is a palpable bitterness that has existed toward modern players from the retirees that has existed for decades.

Lawyers for the retired players referred in the complaint to a 2010 quote from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees that described some of the retirees as coming to the current players and asking them to "please make up for my bad judgment." Brees cited divorces, bad business decisions