Gridiron Greats names 2026 Hall of Fame class

Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund will honor seven former players and advocates at its Hall of Fame Gala Oct. 2 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago. The event spotlights football achievement and raises money for retired NFL players and families facing medical, housing and other urgent needs.

Why it matters: - The 2026 Hall of Fame class recognizes football careers, military service, coaching and family advocacy, not just on-field performance. - The gala also doubles as a fundraiser for retired NFL players and families facing urgent medical and living expenses.

What happened: - Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund will honor its 2026 Hall of Fame class on Friday, Oct. 2, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois. - The honorees are Don Beebe, Gary Fencik, Ben Garland, Bernie Kosar, Lisa McHale, Christian Okoye and Jason Riley. - The organization was founded by Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka.

The details: - Don Beebe played nine NFL seasons and appeared in six Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers. He later moved into coaching and mentoring young athletes. - Gary Fencik spent his entire 12-season NFL career with the Chicago Bears. He was a defensive captain, two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XX champion, and his 38 interceptions remain a Bears franchise record. - Ben Garland received the Marv Levy Impact Award and built a career around football and military service. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, served on active duty, played 10 years in the NFL and remains a Major in the Air National Guard. - Bernie Kosar played 12 NFL seasons, most notably with the Cleveland Browns, and later won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. - Lisa McHale became an advocate for football families affected by brain trauma after the death of her husband, former NFL offensive lineman Tom McHale. She now serves as Director of Legacy Family Relations with the Concussion & CTE Foundation. - Christian Okoye, known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” starred as a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and an NFL rushing champion. - Jason Riley played 10 seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and won the 1986 Grey Cup. He later spent 25 years coaching at McMaster University. - The gala will help fund direct assistance for retired NFL players and their families facing medical care, housing, utilities, transportation and other essential expenses. - Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available at bit.ly/GGAF2026HOF. - Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund was founded in 2007 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping retired NFL players and their families in times of need.

Between the lines: - The class reflects a broad definition of football greatness that extends to service, leadership and post-career impact. - Honoring players alongside an advocate like McHale underscores how the organization links football legacy with family support and long-term care concerns. - The mix of NFL and CFL figures also shows the organization’s wider football reach.

What's next: - The Hall of Fame Gala is set for Oct. 2 in Rosemont, with fundraising tied directly to assistance programs for former players. - Gridiron Greats will continue using gala proceeds to support urgent needs for retirees and their families.

The bottom line: - Gridiron Greats is using its 2026 Hall of Fame celebration to honor football excellence and finance a safety net for players who need help long after their careers end.