Former NFL players excluded from the current...

Former NFL players excluded from the current pension system will receive $564 each this year in a third round of royalty checks sponsored by NFL Alumni.

Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham accepted a check at his Sarasota, Fla., home on behalf of the 178 players who retired from the NFL before 1959, when the current player retirement program took effect.

Payments are made by Pro Legends Inc., a subsidiary of NFL Alumni of Fort Lauderdale, a tax-exempt charity.