The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Mike Webster has raised concerns about the support provided to former National Football League players and their families. Garrett Webster, son of the late Pittsburgh Steelers center, made public statements on social media highlighting his family’s financial struggles following his father’s death.
Garrett Webster responded to a post by former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, who discussed difficulties in maintaining his lifestyle after retirement. In contrast, Webster pointed out that despite Mike Webster’s 17 seasons in the league, his family did not receive a pension from the National Football League after his passing and have had to rely on welfare.
He stated that even with the NFL’s continued revenue growth, “the lives of the players that built this league are oftentimes miserable because this multi-billion dollar industry turns a blind eye to them and acts like they don’t exist.” He added, “the league would be nothing without the players and teams of the ’70s and ’80s.” Despite noting that the Pittsburgh Steelers organization has offered significant help, Garrett Webster said that he works full time but his family still requires public assistance. He acknowledged that while some improvements have been made within the National Football League regarding support for former players’ families, more work remains.
This recent discussion brings renewed attention to how football organizations address long-term welfare for those who contributed to building professional football in earlier decades.
