Smith became aware of their plight just days after he was drafted in 2005. His mother, Pam, who works in social services, took him to visit , a residential school for foster teens outside San Diego. The trip had an unspoken purpose: She wanted her son to have an impact beyond football..Mackey's efforts after his playing days were just as important as his performance on the field. An NFL labor agreement ratified in 2006 includes the "88 Plan," named for Mackey's number, 88. It provides up to $88,000 a year for nursing care or day care for explayers with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, or $50,000 for home care..

That's why losing their thirdround draft choice last year angered the Steelers so much. The NFL took it away for a salary cap violation, and club officials believed the penalty was too severe. It's the second time the Steelers have had to forfeit a thirdround draft pick.The Republicancontrolled House has voted for a bill seeking to end the President Barack