Celebrating Football Icons at the 14th Annual Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame Gala
“This is an exceptional lineup of honorees who have achieved greatness both on the field and in their communities. I am thrilled to partake in the Gridiron Greats tradition of honoring excellence!” ~Mike Golic, GGAF Board Member
CHICAGO, IL, May 20, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is preparing to pay tribute to football legends and their significant contributions off the field during the 14th Annual Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame Gala. Scheduled for May 30th at 6:00 p.m., the event will take place at the upscale Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont. This memorable evening aims to celebrate the achievements and philanthropic efforts of former NFL stars, with sports radio host John Tournour (popularly known as J.T. the Brick) serving as the evening’s host, and a special performance by well-known Chicago entertainer John Vincent.
The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees include notable figures such as Olin Kreutz, a former Pro Bowl center for the Chicago Bears; Mark Collins, a two-time Super Bowl champion cornerback with the New York Giants; Vernon Davis, a tight end who played in Super Bowls for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos; Leonard Marshall, a two-time Super Bowl defensive end for the New York Giants; Chris Draft, a linebacker who played for both the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons; and Garney Henley, a four-time Grey Cup champion and wide receiver/defensive back in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
Additionally, the event will feature Sylvia Mackey, the wife of NFL legend and Hall of Famer John Mackey, as she presents her namesake award to Angela Biletnikoff. Angela serves as the CEO of the Biletnikoff Foundation, an organization that tackles serious issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and human trafficking among youth.
Marv Levy, a Hall of Fame coach in both the NFL and CFL and a former board member of Gridiron Greats, will present Chris Draft with the Marv Levy Impact Award. This accolade honors someone who has been a steadfast advocate for the Armed Forces, dedicating significant effort and influence to support the military community, while exemplifying outstanding leadership, integrity, and bravery.
The funds raised during this special occasion will go towards the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, an independent 501(c)(3) organization aimed at providing vital support to NFL players facing medical and financial challenges.
Special acknowledgments are extended to various sponsors including CFL, CFLAA, Chicago Bears, Coastal Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, El Bandido Yankee Tequila, Encore, Hourglass Wealth Management, Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, Las Vegas Raiders, Molson Coors, Pepsi, Periscope, Prodigy Printing and Promotions, RMD Advertising, Rudolph Foods, Sharper Dot Printing, Smirnoff, and VOSS Water, along with all supporters who purchased tables and program advertisements. Limited tickets and tables remain available for purchase. For further details regarding tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karen Wright at (847) 656-5487.
About Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Inc. (GGAF) operates as a nonprofit corporation based in Wisconsin and is recognized as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization’s mission is to provide aid to retired NFL players and their families who find themselves in critical need. GGAF offers help with medical expenses and everyday financial support.
About Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago holds the distinction of being the largest hotel located outside of the city. It boasts a variety of spaces, from traditional ballrooms to modern networking areas and elegant top-floor reception venues. Situated just five minutes from O’Hare International Airport and providing a complimentary airport shuttle service, it serves as a comfortable and convenient destination for travelers. 9300 W Bryn Mawr Ave Rosemont, IL 60018
