Eastern Michigan Athletics
Former EMU Football Player Ron Rice Named President of the Retired NFLPA for Detroit
8/31/2009 2:09:45 PM | Football, E-Gridiron Group
Played for EMU from 1991-94 and the Detroit Lions from 1995-2002
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Former Eastern Michigan University football standout Ron Rice, who also played eight seasons for the NFL's Detroit Lions, has been named the president of the retired National Football League Player's Association (NFLPA) for Detroit. As the president of the Detroit branch, Rice will lead the local chapter of the national organization which serves former NFL players from all teams who reside in the Detroit area.
The NFLPA established the Retired Players Association in 1984 to provide an active voice for all former NFL players. Goals were set, local chapters were formed, and an agenda fitting the needs of former NFL players was established. The Retired NFLPA works in conjunction with other NFLPA departments along with Players, Inc. to communicate all relevant information, recommend services and provide leadership to its members. The organization includes former NFL players of all ages, which sustains the exclusive fraternity.
"It's so important for retired players to continue to stay informed, engaged and have support from the NFLPA after leaving the game," said Rice. "After players retire, our organization provides a source for services, leadership and camaraderie to our players and their families similar to what had been available through their teams."
In addition to the many services provided to its members, the Detroit chapter is also focused on continuing the spirit of the NFL's charitable efforts by staying active in the community.
"After growing up in Detroit and playing football locally at EMU and then for my hometown Detroit Lions, I am more than motivated to serve my fellow retired NFLPA members in the area as well as the Detroit community," added Rice.
In order to provide a vehicle through which the Detroit members would be able to share resources with charitable organizations, former Retired NFLPA (Detroit) President Allen Hughes established the Michigan Pro Athletes Charity (MPAC), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. MPAC's primary mission is to develop and collaborate with programs that support youth in several areas, including health, sports, education, and community. MPAC has the flexibility to include Michigan's professional athletes from all sports, while allowing for enhanced community services and the ability to pursue funding sources for charitable efforts.
"While we were active players, we participated in a host of community events," said Hughes. "So after retiring, it is typically ingrained in a player to share and care with charitable organizations. Our main focus with MPAC is to generate funds for the many worthy non-profit organizations in Michigan that could use our support."
Ron Rice played strong safety for the Detroit Lions from 1995-2002. His career was cut short by a neck injury. During his time with the Lions, he was named the team's recipient of the Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year Award and was also team spokesman for the "Shop to Stop Drugs" Campaign that raises funds and awareness for anti-substance abuse programs.
Prior to joining the Lions, Rice earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Eastern Michigan, where he was named first-team All-Mid-American Conference after his senior year. He was selected to the EMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He also attended University of Detroit Jesuit High School.
For more information on Ron Rice, please contact Risa Baleyem, at PR1 Communication at 313.549.0012 or by e-mail at: risa@pr1comm.com.
