Remembering RFK as a Truly Multipurpose Stadium

Let me go slowly: Todd Wade, 30, has replaced Jansen; Jason Fabini, 33, has replaced Thomas; Pete Kendall, who was in a contract dispute with the New York Jets, was brought in before the season to replace Dockery. That leaves Stephon Heyer, a talented and undrafted free agent from Maryland, for utility, with newly signed Rick DeMulling, who has previously blocked for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and for someone in Detroit, I think.

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Their coach, the venerable Joe Bugel, whom "new age" Post columnist Mike Wise suggested should be directing the cast of "Cocoon III," thinks they're all great. Buges would make a great editor; very positive. I don't know if his optimism is justified, but Fabini impressed me by lulling the Iggles to sleep with two cagey false starts before Jason Campbell hit "new age" tight end Chris Cooley with a touchdown pass seconds before halftime.

Here's what I do know: All the offensive linemen are very large guys, quite capable if they make it to the league, and smart. If they can't block well enough, they'll hold. Most offensive linemen also are funny. I've been in the tank for these guys since back in the day when I took notes from Schoenke, Hauss, Promuto, Laaveg, Snowden, Hermeling, Starke, Wilbur and Wright. Even Rock, who withheld notes. The guys who came later -- The Hogs -- own those three Vince Lombardi trophies at Redskins Park.

So, to Fabini, Kendall, Wade and company: Stand tall, guys, you have a tradition to up- hold.

Listen Up

There's a sense of irony that the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday on the NFL's disability plan for retired players would occur so close to Buffalo tight end Kevin Everett's career-ending spinal cord injury, as well as other serious early-season injuries.

(Observation: I hadn't seen so many suits in one room since Raleigh's closed.)

Athletes in their 20s and 30s enjoying the fruits of their labor -- many believing their current lives will last forever -- would do well to pay attention to the testimony.

¿ Mike Ditka, former player and coach, now an ESPN commentator, on Everett's injury: "Football is a collision sport. This young man did nothing but make a tackle. I spent 50 years in the game and I say don't make proud men beg. Let them live out their lives in dignity."

¿ Fox TV's Daryl Johnston, former Dallas Cowboys fullback: "This industry has too much money for this situation to exist."

¿ Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers: "The current disability system bars benefits to many. . . . "

¿ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "The retired players deserve our respect and recognition. They have my personal commitment" to improve the situation.

¿ NFL Players Association Executive Director Gene Upshaw: "I've spent my life fighting for players. No one cares more for players than I do." Upshaw wants Congress to examine workers' comp plans, allow players to solely administer disability benefits and expedite the process for players to obtain benefits.

"The system is broken," Ditka said. "Fix it."

So?

Have a comment or question? Reach me at talkback@washpost.com.