There’s been some progress in talks between the National Football League and NFL retirees who’ve been fighting for better health benefits. One of the strongest voices in the debate has been Idaho’s Jerry Kramer, the NFL Hall of Famer and graduate of the University of Idaho. Glenn Mosley reports.

MOSCOW, ID - Jerry Kramer waged a lot of athletic battles while playing for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, but over the past several years he’s been fighting a different kind of contest—he helped start the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. That group has been aiming to improve financial assistance, health care, and social services for retired NFL players in need because of what the organization has described as a lack of NFL disability support.

Kramer says that now, after waiting with his arms crossed for the past two years, there’s been progress:

Kramer: “They’ve done a lot of good things, and for the first time I’m not in a wait and see posture anymore.”

Kramer says the changes include improved pensions for some former players, the hiring of a medical director, and the revamping of the disability application process:

Kramer: “I’m puttin’ my hands together and saying thank you very much Commissioner Goodell you’re doing a wonderful job.”

Kramer spoke to reporters at the Kibbie Dome at the University of Idaho on September 13th.

Copyright 2008 Northwest Public Radio