Former N.Y. Giant George Martin: A Humanitarian Hero

Lately, I have found myself writing nice things about former NFL players that played on teams that used to make my gut wrench when they faced my 49ers.

One of those tough, intelligent, and terrifically skilled players was New York Giant George Martin, whose fundraiser, "A Journey For 9/11; Supporting the Heroes of Ground Zero," is still raising money for emergency responders who responded to New York's Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, and in the days after.

Because they responded to save the lives of others, many policemen, firemen, and other emergency workers have had debilitating health problems. Some have died as a result of their heroism and should be remembered along with all the heroes of that day.

Martin kicked off his effort at New York's George Washington Bridge and walked all the way to San Diego.

Martin—who was co-captain of the Giants' 1987 Super Bowl team with Harry Carson—has helped raise more than $2 million. That is commendable, but please help him increase that amount.

On Sept. 20, there will be a fundraiser in New York, that is on his Web site. Carson and former Giants' quarterback Phil Simms are on "A Journey for 9/11's" board of directors, along with a number of other people who realize that the emergency responders have had and will continue to have health problems.

Martin, who is a hero to Giants' fans, said he is not a hero when compared to those emergency responders, some of whom have lost everything—including their lives—to health problems related to their heroic Ground Zero response.

If you are able, contribute to Martin's organization. His dollars are being matched dollar-for-dollar by three New York-area hospitals.

Some of these 9/11 heroes don't even have health insurance now, so any money you can contribute would be of great benefit.

Carson also should be commended for the visibility he also lent to Martin's project, but it is Martin that is the humanitarian hero for starting this endeavor.

Thank you, George Martin; you're a class act and a great man.