Titan Hall-of-Famer John Conti, who was a standout lineman for the U-D football teams in the late 1940's, was inducted into the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund's first Michigan Hall of Fame class on Saturday. The event was held at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi with Mark Champion, Detroit Pistons broadcaster, serving as master of ceremonies.

Conti was the captain of the 1949 Detroit football squad that won the Missouri Valley Conference Championship. An Honorable Mention All-American during his career, he was known as the biggest man in college football in his days standing at 6-1, 300 pounds.

His spirit and charitable enthusiasm have always seemed to be even larger as he received the honor for his charitable work with the NFL Alumni.

"When you think of the University of Detroit Mercy, and you think of the U of D football teams from the 40's, 50's, and 60's, you think of John Conti," said Keri Gaither, UDM's director of athletics. "John has done so much for the University and for the community. The timing of these events, with former football greats and former Titans involved, is terrific, especially as the University continues to look closely at a plan to reinstate football in the near future."

In addition to Conti, the 15-member 2009 induction class included Detroit Lions and Pro Football Hall of Fame members Bill Dudley and Charlie Sanders, along with Lions greats Earl Morrall, Ron Kramer, Terry Barr, Jimmy David, Roger Brown and Darris McCord.

Former Lions great Wally Tripplett, who after graduating from Penn State in 1949, was the first ever African American Player selected in the NFL draft and who actually played in the NFL was also honored along with John Panelli (Notre Dame/Detroit Lions), legendary Pittsburgh Steeler and Notre Dame great Rocky Bleier University of Michigan greats Reggie McKenzie (Buffalo Bills) and Albert Wistert (Philadelphia Eagles) and long time Detroit News columnist Jerry Green.

The GGAF, chaired by legendary head coach Mike Ditka with the likes of former NFL coaches Jimmy Johnson and Marv Levy and College and NFL Hall-of-Famer Gale Sayers on its Board of Directors, is a non-stock, nonprofit corporation that has provided over $1.5 million in financial aid and medical assistance to retired NFL players. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues which include coordination of social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions.

In addition, the family of slain Oak Park police officer Mason Samborski was in attendance. Samborski, killed last year in the line of duty, was honored for his heroism. The Samborski family will receive proceeds raised in conjunction with the event.

The GGAF also provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, food, utilities, automotive payments and child care.