The CFLAA Support Fund (CFLAASF) is a compassionate initiative established by the Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) to extend financial assistance to fellow alumni facing economic hardships due to medical conditions or sudden income loss. Here are the key details:
- Purpose: The fund aids former CFL players, offering support through Plan A, Plan B, or Crowd Funding.
- Guidelines: If you’re a former CFL player in need, explore the Support Fund Applications and review the CFLAA Support Fund Guidelines before applying.
- Recent Assistance:
- Medical Expenses: We recently assisted a 35-year-old alumnus battling a rare, life-threatening cancer. His provincial plan didn’t cover certain costs, and he relied on limited government assistance.
- Physical Hardship: Another former player, facing physical challenges, struggled to make ends meet. He contemplated selling personal belongings to afford necessities. The CFLAASF stepped in by covering his monthly medication bills.
- Temporary Unemployment: A member recovering from prostate cancer faced eviction due to rent and utility arrears. We provided a reprieve during this challenging period.
- Family Struggles: We supported a member who had endured years of hardship, including family losses. This individual sought help at a drug and alcohol treatment facility.
- Back Surgery Recovery: A former Hall of Fame player and CFL coach required lower back surgery, rendering him unable to walk unassisted. We’re subsidizing intensive physical therapy to restore his independence.
- Funding Sources: The CFLAA Support Fund relies on contributions from various quarters, including the CFLAA Grey Cup Legends Luncheon, fundraisers, and limited donations from the CFL, CFLPA, and local Alumni Associations.
- Never Alone Foundation Partnership: We thank the Never Alone Foundation for their substantial contribution through the Never Alone Foundation Rose Project, earmarked for supporting those diagnosed with cancer.
- Your Support Matters: We invite personal or corporate donations to assist former CFL players in need fully.
If you would like to donate to the CFLAA Support Fund click the Donate button below!
CFLAA Support Funds
Guidelines and Applications
Plan A
Long Term Medical
Plan B
Emergency Compassionate Grant
Crowd Funding
Mike Walker – A True Warrior On and Off the Field
During his 10-year CFL career, Mike Walker was an inspirational player, teammate and leader. After his playing days were done, this CFL legend became a coach and shared his talents and game knowledge with the next generation of football stars.
His passion and work ethic made him a four-time Eastern all-star, a three-time CFL all-star and Grey Cup champion. As well, his outstanding on-field achievements have earned Mike Walker a well-deserved place in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
The former Washington State grad played in 135 games registering 149 tackles, 95.5 quarterback sacks, nine fumble recoveries, two interceptions and two touchdowns.
Recent life situations have been harder on Walker than any offensive lineman he ever lined up across from ever was. Today, Mike is paying the price for his on-field tenacity and is battling the effects of numerous back and neck surgeries. His first surgery was in 2018 to correct a spinal cord compression that was threatening to paralyze him.
“After my surgery, I was in a wheelchair for a year but now I’m walking with assistance,” Walker said.
While Walker’s procedures were successful, he was further diagnosed, after surgery, with Ankylosing Spondylitis which is a rare arthritic condition that will leave him permanently disabled.
Walker’s current goals include never having to use a wheelchair again and to be able to walk unassisted.
The CFL Alumni Association and its Support Fund are working with Walker during his uphill battle for independence.
“CFL Alumni Association executive director Leo Ezerins reached out to me after he received a call regarding my condition,” said Walker. “The assistance I have received from the CFL Alumni Association and the Support Fund could not have come at a better time.”
The financial assistance from the CFL Alumni Association has allowed Walker to concentrate on his rehabilitation and therapy after his multiple back surgeries.
“Leo was tremendous to work with and made the process for funding very smooth,” said Walker. “I am forever grateful for the CFL Alumni Association’s help with my medical expenses.”
As he steadily recovers from his multiple back surgeries, Walker hopes to walk on to the stage during his Hall of Fame induction.
“My goal is to be able to walk up to the podium,” said Walker.
Mike followed his rehabilitation program with the same ferociousness, he attacked offensive linemen with, Mike Walker did make his way on-stage at his Hall of Fame induction ceremony with the assistance of his two daughters and team mate Ben Zambiasi.
The CFLAA Support Fund (CFLAASF) is a completely discretionary fund created by the members of the Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) to offer financial support to fellow alumni who are experiencing financial hardship due to a medical condition or the sudden loss of income.
Jamall Johnson – Making Dreams Come True
Former CFL all-star Jamall Johnson cherished every opportunity he had to put on his jersey on gameday.
“Playing in the CFL meant a ton to me, because it meant I reached a childhood goal and dream of being a professional football player,” said Johnson. “During my 10-year career I formed some lifelong bonds and relationships I will forever cherish.”
Johnson fondly looks back at his CFL career and the deep appreciation he continues to have for his 2006 BC Lions Grey Cup winning teammates. A lasting memory that is etched on the Grey Cup and in his memory.
“I will always remember winning a Grey Cup in 2006 with a super talented group of men and brothers as a BC Lion,” said Johnson. “The greatest memories were created during grueling training camp days and hours spent on and off the field bonding with teammates.”
Throughout his football career, which saw stops in the NFL with Cleveland and Tampa Bay and CFL with the Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Johnson was a leader who was always there to support and help his teammates.
During his time in Hamilton, Johnson earned two CFL Eastern all-star nominations, was named a CFL all-star and a CFLPA all-star in 2009.
“I had so many great memories as a Ti-Cat,” said Johnson. “My first season our team helped return the franchise to the playoffs after some dreadful seasons.”
Johnson also counts the 2013 season as a special year.
“We practiced at McMaster University and played home games in Guelph while the team’s new stadium was under construction,” said Johnson. “Through all of the crazy logistical madness we reached the Grey Cup, which made it a helluva story.”
Johnson finished his career with a Grey Cup ring, 498 defensive tackles, 26 sacks 3 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries and 3 touchdowns.
After he finished his playing career Johnson joined Canadian the Football League Alumni (CFLAA)Association to keep in touch with other former players transitioning to life after football.
“The CFLAA is important to players because it’s a continuation of the brotherhood formed as players on our teams and in the league,” said Johnson. “The relationships we build in our locker rooms is what we miss when we’re done playing the game.”
“I feel the CFLAA is also a reliable support system we can use as we transition into life after football as it’s a way to stay connected with players who have similar lived experiences. It also offers useful resources to former players and their families,” added Johnson.
Johnson met all on-field challenges with the heart of champion, and he also does so off the field with the assistance of the CFLAA.
“In 2021 my family went through a very trying time as my wife had two major health issues, trigeminal neuralgia (a rare chronic fasciae nerve pain) and breast cancer,” said Johnson. “My Tiger-Cat teammate, Sandy Beverage, reached out during this journey and let us know the CFLAA had a support fund that we were potentially eligible for, given the circumstances.”
“As my wife went through surgeries, treatment and recovery our ability to work was affected and we’re extremely grateful that the CFLAA support fund offered some relief,” added Johnson.
The CFLAA continues to support and assist former CFL players who need assistance. It’s what good teammates do.
The CFLAA Support Fund (CFLAASF) is a completely discretionary fund created by the members of the Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA) to offer financial support to fellow alumni who are experiencing financial hardship due to a medical condition or the sudden loss of income.
