Summer 2010

PLAYER
ISSUE OF

CONCUSSIONS
p.6 Steering the Progress

UNITY p.10
Bringing Active & Former Players Together

p.22 DEDICATED to DAUGHTERS

Celebrating the Special Relationship Between Fathers & Daughters

NFL PLAYERS GALA p.32

Featuring the JB Awards
 Letter From the
Executive Director
Dear Players & Families,
This is one of the most important communications in the history of our
Union and the community of Players and their families. In March of
2011, the Owners will lock out our Players and jeopardize their ability
to work and provide for their families. This date and the likelihood
of its occurrence has been the primary focus of the Board of Player
Representatives, the Executive Committee and your Union.
We are close to the start of the 2010 NFL season, the last season of the
current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which was signed in
2006. As players report to training camp and fans gear up for another
exciting season on the field, the NFL Players Association is working
tirelessly to ensure that the Players’ rights are protected off the field.
Since March of 2009, I have served as Executive Director of the NFLPA
and challenged NFL players to understand the NFL’s business model
and act accordingly. Above all, during this historic time in the business
of our game, that means preparing for a lockout less than a year away
in the spring of 2011.
We make no apologies for aggressively seeking to protect our Players
and their families. On offense in the last 15 months we have:
+ Successfully sued the NFL to put more than $200M back in to the
shared revenue pool available to Players.
+ Partnered with every major labor union in the country to provide
support and strategic partnerships with more than 15M workers.
+ Successfully lobbied Congress to force the NFL to address the issue
of concussions and embrace the current state of medical science.
+ Taken more than 70 players to Congress, informed Members of
what is occurring in the NFL and asked them to recognize the
unfairness of the 32 men shutting down a business that we, our
families and thousands of businesses rely on for their livelihood.
+ Met with virtually every agent and financial advisor and required
they meet with players and devise a plan to respond to the lockout
in March 2011.
+ Formed partnerships with the Players’ Wives, Fathers and Mothers
Committees to discuss lockout preparation.
In the last month, we also took an aggressive step to address the most
problematic aspect of the NFL’s lockout preparation. Since 2007, the
NFL has structured virtually every assistant coach’s contract to envision
a lockout, hired the lawyer who locked out the NHL Players for a season
and negotiated TV contracts that would guarantee them $4 billion even
if the games are not played.
Since Reggie White and other players sued the NFL in 1993, the Players
and the NFL have operated according to a settlement agreement which
obligated the Owners to act in “good faith.” We believe TV contracts
which may have given the networks free content or “left money on the
table” in exchange for a free loan of $4B is not in the best interest of the
Players. Ask yourself a simple question, “What would be the interest
or cost of a $4B loan in this economy, and what bank would loan it to
you?” We believe this lockout funding mechanism violates the court
sanctioned settlement which is the main foundation of our Collective
Bargaining Agreement.
Moreover, in the past few months we also saw an historic ruling (9-0)
in case brought before the Supreme Court by the NFL. In American
Needle vs. the NFL, the Owners attempted to get a ruling which would
have undercut the progress made by former players Bill Radovich (in
1957 as the Supreme Court ruled the NFL was subject to antitrust laws)
and Reggie White (in 1993 as he won Free Agency as a result of suing
the NFL under antitrust laws). They lost.
You will also read about what our Union is doing to prepare defensively.
For the first time in nearly three decades, this NFL offseason marked
the start of an uncapped, and un-floored, year. This was a choice made
by the NFL Owners years ago and despite multiple efforts made by the
Players in formal bargaining sessions, the Owners refused to extend the
cap rules into this 2010 season. For example, we offered a Rookie salary
solution which would pull $200M from the Rookie pool, guarantying
$100M to retired players if the Owners guaranteed the other $100M to
proven veterans. They refused. We also proposed extending further cost
credits for stadium construction and other improvements if the Owners
gave the Players “equity interests” in the NFL as well. They refused.
Finally, we offered that they guarantee that the Players get the current
50% of all revenue as the basis of a new deal. As you know, they refused
that as well.
This was confirmation the lockout strategy remained in play. The Union
has informed agents, financial advisors and family groups to prepare
financially for what we expect will come. But we need you to ensure
this message is carried out fully. If your agent and / or financial advisor
has not talked with you about the plan for financially weathering the
lockout, please call me immediately. They work for our Players and
their families, and it is an obligation I will ensure that they meet.
The Huddle will also include an update on the most important issue
of all: the health and safety of our players. Concussions, safety and
post-career health care, remain a vital concern to all of us, and you can
read about what we continue to do as a union to embrace research and
take action. We believe our players deserve more than just five years of
post-career health care if they play three years. This is a time where
we should be moving forward in the health and safety of players and
not backwards.
In addition to The Huddle, I encourage readers to stay informed about
the NFLPA through our Web site, NFLPLAYERS.COM, and our newly
formed online video programming, NFLPA TV, at NFLPATV.COM.
Also, please subscribe to our NFL Players Podcast, available through
iTunes. There are now more ways than ever to stay connected with your
Union, and I am proud of the NFLPA family for leading during this
critical moment in our history.
Sincerely,
DeMaurice F. Smith
ONE TEAM
Executive Director ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
DeMaurice F. Smith EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Carl Francis
George Atallah
MANAGING EDITOR DESIGN DIRECTOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Jilane Rodgers Veronica Jenkins CONSULTANT
Kevin A. Koski
CONTRIBUTORS
Mike Donnelly Glendalyn Junio Chris Perkins
David Elfin CK Leon Leah Webb
Khalil Garriott Erin O’Boyle Lauren R. Williams
Robyn Harrison Ernie Palladino Peter Yoon
1133 20th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
800.372.200 Toll Free N FLPLAYE R S.COM
 Annual Super Bowl Press Conference p.4

Active & Former Player Convention p.10

NFL PLAYERS Gala Feat. the JB Awards p.32

Steering Progress on Player Concussions p.6

Contents
SUMMER ’10

Annual Super Bowl + Union News + Community Events

4 Press Conference 2 American Needle 25 NFLPA Hosts Carol City Elementary
2 NFLPA Takes Action Garden Celebration
The NFLPA delivered its State of the
Over League’s TV Deal 26 T
Training Camp for Life Hits
Union to members and media in
South Florida. 4 Annual Super Bowl South Florida
Press Conference 27 14th Annual Native Vision Camp
6 Steering Progress on
Player Concussions
Steering Progress on + Pro Bowl & Super Bowl Events
6 Player Concussions
8 Safety & Player
Welfare Summit 28 NFLPA Pro Bowl &
Player health & safety takes center 9 Leadership Corner: Super Bowl Events
stage with a new committee. DeMeco Ryans
+ NFL PLAYERS
+ Feature Article 30 NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere
Active & Former
10 Player Convention
10 Unity: Active & Former
Players Come Together
31
32
Sponsorship Spotlight
NFL PLAYERS Gala Featuring
for Annual Convention the JB Awards
Unity became reality at the 2010
meetings in Hawaii.
+ Player News + Former Player News
15 AARP Partnership 34 Legends vs. Celebs Flag
16 National College Players Football Tournament
22 Web Site Redesign Association 35 Former Players L.A. Chapter Visits
17 Uncapped Year Slashes Local Middle School
NFLPLAYERS.COM underwent a major
Player Movement 36 “Where Are They Now?”
transition on Super Bowl Sunday.
18 Message Delivered at the – Merril Hoge
Financial Advisors 2010 Conf. 38 Former Player Focus:
19 New Player Rep Orientation Nolan Harrison, III
NFL PLAYERS
30 Rookie Premiere
20 NFL Players Visit Capitol Hill
+ Coaches News
Thirty five of the top 2010 Draft picks + Player Programs 39 Coaches Use Salary Survey
gathered in L.A. for their first trading
21 Web Site Redesign to Negotiate Contracts
card shoots.
22 NFL Dads Dedicated
to Daughters + Locker Room RoundUp
24 NFLPA TV Launches

PAGE 1 SUMMER 2010

 UNION NEWS

WASHINGTON

AMERICAN
On May 24, the United States Supreme Court
again made clear that the NFL is not exempt
from antitrust laws that all other American
businesses must follow. Upon reversing the

NEEDLE
appellate court’s prior ruling, the Court found
that the 32 NFL teams do not act as a “single
entity” such that they are completely exempt
from Section 1 of the Sherman Act. In other
words, the NFL, despite its best efforts, is not
by NFLPA Communications Staff
above the law. Specifically, in a 9-0 decision,
the Court held that NFL teams do not possess
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the “complete unity of interest” necessary
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ separately-owned business entity competing
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ vigorously against the others, both on and
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ off the field.
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Although the case arose from an apparel
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ license, the case and the decision have a
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ broad impact on the business of the NFL as
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a whole. Had the Court allowed the NFL
to evade the antitrust laws, ticket prices
would have increased, free agency would
have ended or been crippled, the way we
watch football on television would have
been fundamentally altered and our states

With chances of a lockout looming,

the union issues a challenge to the
structuring of the NFL’s guaranteed
television contracts.

In a move that is sure to up the ante in the

NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

TAKES ACTION
collective bargaining negotiations between
the NFL and NFL Players Association, the
NFLPA on June 9 initiated a legal challenge
to the structuring of the league’s television
deals to provide them with the guaranteed
payment even when no games are played.

Over League’s Guaranteed TV Deal by David Elfin

In a complaint submitted to the Special
Master, the NFLPA states that the league
effectively purchased billions in financial
lockout funding for 2011 by reworking its
television contracts to the detriment
of the Players.

PAGE 2 SUMMER 2010

 UNION NEWS
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is not only a win for the players past, present and future, but a win for the fans.
While the NFLPA and the players of the National Football League are pleased with the ruling, we remain focused
on reaching a fair and equitable Collective Bargaining Agreement. We hope that today also marks a renewed
effort by the NFL to bargain in good faith and avoid a lockout.”
and local the governments would have been
held hostage by a league with a Court-issued
license to run wild. The case was originally
brought by American Needle, a manufacturer
of NFL-branded hats. In 2000, the NFL and
team owners decided they could make more
money by selling an exclusive license to
one company. Reebok purchased that right,
prompting American Needle’s suit claiming
that the teams of the NFL colluded to limit
competition in violation of the antitrust laws.
Kevin Mawae, President of the NFL Players
Association said, “This decision validates
the wins of former players like Bill Radovich,
Reggie White, Freeman McNeil and other
former NFL Players who had successfully sued
the NFL for players’ rights such as free agency
and fair compensation. This keeps their wins
According to the NFL Players Association, the
filing is intended to prevent windfall profits
for owners who choose to lock out the players
and cancel games. The guaranteed television
revenues that approach $4 billion, coupled
with the elimination of $4.4 billion in player
salaries and benefits in a lockout, could make
a 2011 season without games profitable for
the owners.
“It appears that the Owners bought a strategy
to lock players and fans out and nonetheless
financially protect themselves,” says Baltimore
Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth, a
member of the NFLPA’s Executive Committee.
“The players want to leave no stone unturned
to make sure that CBA negotiations proceed
in good faith and that next season is played in
its entirety.”
The NFLPA argues in the filed complaint that,
under their 17-year-old agreement with the
NFL, the NFL cannot breach its fiduciary
duties to the players in order to strengthen its
bargaining position. Furthermore, the NFLPA
says that the NFL’s inclusion of the lockout
provisions is a clear violation of the contract
because the league did not use its best efforts
in good faith to maximize total revenues from
DirecTV, Fox, CBS and NBC. Reports on the
recent re-negotiations of the ESPN contract
indicate that it will likely incorporate similar
lockout payment provisions.
– DeMaurice Smith
Executive Director, NFL Players Association
alive for the players who came after them and
who will play this game tomorrow.”
“[The] Supreme Court decision strongly affirms
that the NFL must play by the same rules other
businesses do,” said Richard Berthelsen, the
General Counsel of the NFLPA. “Once again,
the Court has rejected as it should have a
sweeping exemption for the NFL. The Court’s
decision affirms our belief that the NFL should
not be allowed to operate as a monopoly to the
detriment of fans, players and the government.
In a country where competition and fair play
are so highly-valued, the Court wisely declined
to give the NFL a leg up by usurping the role
of Congress and ignoring both the letter and
the spirit of its antitrust laws.”
“The NFL breached its special duties to the players by leaving those
dollars on the table to be used against the very players whose interests in
revenue maximization the NFL had the duty to protect when negotiating
its broadcast agreement extensions.”
While the NFL has always negotiated its
television contracts without input from the
NFLPA, the league is contractually obligated
to maximize total revenues and act in good
faith for the benefit of the players during each
year of the contract.
The DirecTV deal may be the most glaring
example of the NFL’s “financing” strategy in
the event it locks out the players. The league
opted not to allocate any of the increased
revenue from its deal with the satellite service
during the 2009 and 2010 seasons, moving
all of that money into 2011 and beyond, after
its current contract with the players expires.
DirecTV was given immediate new broadcast
benefits for two seasons with no price increase
for those two seasons.
In the NFL, television money accounts for
roughly half of the total NFL revenues. The
contracts with Fox, CBS, NBC, ESPN and
DirecTV generated approximately $4 billion
in 2009 out of total league revenues of close
to $8 billion.
The NFLPA joined with the players unions
from all of the major professional sports
to file a first-of-its-kind joint amicus brief
opposing the NFL’s position in the American
Needle case. The NFL Coaches Association
filed its own brief supporting the view of
the players. Additional briefs supporting
the NFLPA’s view were filed by the United
States Solicitor General, the Department
of Justice Antitrust Division, the Federal
Trade Commission, the American Antitrust
Institute, the Consumer Federal of America
and an independent group of 19 economists.
– NFLPA
Like any consumer or business, the NFL is
free to protect itself against unexpected
losses. However, the NFL has not purchased
a traditional insurance policy nor obtained
loans from banks to provide a financial
reimbursement for its intentional loss should
it decide to lock out players.
The NFLPA is asking that the Special Master
find that its rights have been violated, to
award the damages and to place the NFL’s
“lockout funding” in an escrow account in
order to prevent the NFL from using any of
that money during any work stoppage.
David Elfin has covered the NFL for two decades. He
is the former President of the Pro Football Writers of
America and serves on the selection committee of the
Pro Football Hall of Fame.
To follow this story visit
www.nflplayers.com
PAGE 3 SUMMER 2010

SUPER
NFLPA’S ANNUAL
BOWL
Press Conference
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.
The whole new world of the NFLPA was on
display inside the Broward County Convention
Center on Feb. 4.
Music throbbed before DeMaurice Smith’s
first Super Bowl press conference as the
NFLPA’s Executive Director and it wasn’t
coming from next door where The Who was
wrapping up its Super Bowl halftime show
preview for the media. A phalanx of current
and former players were seated on the stage
alongside Smith, who spent almost the entire
hour on his feet with a wireless microphone
like candidate Barack Obama had used in
his favored town hall format during the 2008
presidential race.
Despite the entertainment-like background,
when Smith made his presentation about a
new partnership with the American Assoc.
of Retired Persons, CreateTheGood.org,
CreateTheGood.org and
answered questions about the collective
bargaining negotiations with the NFL and the
likelihood of a lockout by the owners in 2011,
the mood turned very serious.
“I have heard the message about our retired
players,” said Smith, who has reached out
to such loud voices in the former players
community as Dave Pear, Brent Boyd,
Hall of Famer Mike Ditka and the Gridiron
Greats. “I’ve come to the conclusion that we
need to make a change. This partnership with
the [AARP] is part of that change. For the
first time, the players will have a nationwide
community
ommunity service platform. Throughout the
PAGE 4 SUMMER 2010
by David Elfin
history of the National Football League, there
has been a tension between current players
and former players. I believe that that when
it comes to the benefits of our players [who
played] before 1993, the current system doesn’t
work. If you were in a locker room, you were
part of a legacy that existed before you and
most certainly will exist after you.”
Smith proposed that the owners, whose
franchise values have increased almost 500
percent over the last 15 years with league
revenues approaching $8 billion, contribute
two percent of their profits [each club
earned an estimated $31 million in 2008] to
improve the pensions of the players who made
the game so profitable and yet can’t afford
health care nor can afford to retire from their
post-football careers.
“All across our 32 cities, one thing is clear:
each and every one of those teams relies on
that legacy to promote that game,” said Smith,
who grew up a passionate Washington fan
and reeled off the names of several Redskins
greats of the 1970s. “They sell that legacy. My
problem is none of the teams pay for it. Let’s
take two percent of those profits and let’s give
‘em back to the people who made this game.
At that point, we’ll be one team.”
Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders
echoed Smith’s message, terming it “truly a
new day for the Players Association. We look
forward to the leadership that De will provide
and also [NFLPA President] Kevin Mawae.
UNION NEWS
We look forward to their vision and their
passion to protect this game we all love.”
Smith then returned to the NFLPA’s hottest
topic explaining that the players don’t receive
60 percent of league revenues as is commonly
believed. Smith noted that the league takes
$1 billion off the top for stadium costs leaving
the players with about 52 percent, a smaller
share of league revenues than they received
in 2001.
“On top of that $1 billion, they want to add
another billion and my question is why?”
Smith said.
Mawae said that the CBA talks are proceeding
“at a snail’s pace” although he and Smith have
been trying to continue the labor peace that
has held existed for two decades.
“The only thing I can hope
for is that the legacy I leave
at this office far surpasses
my accomplishments on the
football field.”
– Kevin Mawae
Mawae was the eight-time Pro Bowl center,
who played with the Tennessee Titans in 2009.
“The stark truth of the matter is that we the
players want to play football. It is what many
of us have done for most our lives and it’s a
passion we all have for a job we love so much.
 UNION NEWS

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DeMaurice Smith, current and former players address the media Feb. 4 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

We understand the business of football and
are thankful for the opportunities the game
has provided for us and our families. However,
we do not understand how a business that
made $8 billion, averaging $31 million per
team, can look at their employees in the face
and say, ‘Take an 18 percent pay cut’ without
any justification.”
Smith then echoed his late predecessor Gene
Upshaw, who always vowed not to go back to
a cap if it ever disappeared.
“The cap was a request by the owners,” Smith
said. “The owners have always wanted a cap. I
think it’s virtually impossible to go back to a
capped system [if we go] to an uncapped year.”
Smith said that an 18 percent salary rollback,
equivalent to an average pay decrease of
$340,000, would wipe out the gains made
during the entire 17 years of
free agency and were absurd
when the publicly-owned
Green Bay Packers made $20
million in 2008 despite a
losing record.
Mawae concluded by saying
that he still truly believes a
deal will get done before the
March 2011 expiration of the
CBA but noted that “there has to be some give
and some take, not just take from one side.”
Smith was much less optimistic.
Asked to assess the odds of a lockout by the
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson,
Smith said on a 1-10 scale, it’s a 14. He noted
that in late 2007 and early 2008, the NFL
took several steps to prepare for a lockout,
hiring an executive who had helped lock
out the NHL in 1994-95 and negotiating
contracts with the television networks that
will pay the league $5 billion even if there’s
no 2011 season.
“If there is something to do to change [the
current CBA] because teams are profitable,
tell us,” Smith said. “If there’s something out
there that shows these teams’ profit margins
are off by even one percent, tell [us]. I’m still
waiting for that answer. I keep coming back
to an economic model in America that is
unparalleled. And that makes it incredibly
difficult to then come to players and say, ‘On
average, each of you needs to
take a $340,000 pay cut to
save the National Football
League.’ Tough sell.” And
Mawae predicted that the
owners will have to wait a
long time if they think that
the players won’t stay united
in the event of a lockout.
“[During past strikes], they
counted on players crossing
the [picket] line,” Mawae said. “There’s a
difference. We’re going to be ready to go to
work. There’s no line to cross because they
[will have] chained the gates shut.”
Smith has spent much of his first year-plus
on the job educating the players about what
might well lie ahead in 2011. He and the
executive committee and the player reps
have advised the players to save as much
money as possible. Extra dues have been
collected in case players need funds during
a work stoppage.
“It’s my job as the Executive Director to not
only educate our players about the CBA, but
I want them to be good businessmen good
husbands, good fathers, good members of
their communities,” Smith said.
Note: Aside from Mawae and Sanders, Walt
Harris of the San Francisco 49ers,
Chester Pitts of the Houston Texans
and Leonard Weaver of the Philadelphia
Eagles were on the stage along with
former players Mark Bruener, Ki-Jana
Carter, Nolan Harrison, Pete
Kendall, Mike McBath, Ben Utt,
Ricky Watters and Dwayne White.

PAGE 5 SUMMER 2010


PLAYER ISSUE OF
concussions
by Khalil Garriott
Ensuring player health and safety is of paramount importance for the
NFL Players Association. Working to minimize player concussions,
the NFLPA will continue to be influential in that critical aspect of
health and safety.
Behind the leadership of Dr. Thom Mayer,
the NFLPA’s Medical Director, and Executive
Committee member Sean Morey,
Morey the players’
union has positioned itself at the forefront
of the issue. People around the NFL may be
split on the varying degrees of risk associated
with concussions, but the NFLPA has taken
a firm stance.
“There has been excellent work to this point,”
Mayer told USA Today. “The mission is
to get players back to playing under the
appropriate circumstances when they do
suffer concussions.”
By showing a commitment to keeping players’
health the top priority when dealing with
concussions, the NFL Players Association
is looking out for their well -being
eing far beyond
their playing days. The union has helped
reinforce the notion that when a player is
concussed, the issue takes on a level of
importance far greater than just football.
PAGE 6 SUMMER 2010
NFLPA MACKEY / WHITE
TBI COMMITTEE
Steering the Progress
The concern received much greater attention
last season, when such big-name players as
quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt
Warner and running backs Clinton Portis
and Brian Westbrook suffered concussions.
Many players have admitted that it’s second-
nature for them to not fully disclose their
symptoms with doctors, but the NFLPA has
urged all players to be completely forthright
with medical staff. If they don’t, experts say,
players put themselves at higher risk for an
injury that can affect their quality of life years
down the road.
Mayer and the NFL Players Association want
uniform, standardized evaluations [based on
the highest medical standards] for any player
who has suffered a concussion.
“It shouldn’t matter if you play for the Bears
or the Cardinals or the Redskins,” Mayer said.
“The evaluation should be the same.”
UNION NEWS
Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith lies on the field after a
hit in 2008 which caused a concussion. Smith’s teammate
Brian Westbrook absorbed two concussions in the span of
three weeks in 2009.
Morey, a locker -room leader as co-alternate
player representative for the Cardinals,
became co-chair of the NFLPA’s concussion
and traumatic brain injury committee when
it formed Oct. 2. It is a cause Morey takes
seriously. The Ivy League-educated Pro
Bowler has said he will donate his brain
to science after his death, doing his part
to advance study on the affect of repeated
brain trauma.
“We need to continue to impress upon [the
players] the importance of recognizing their
injuries,” said NFLPA Executive Director
DeMaurice Smith. “But we must also try to
understand what motivates that fear.”
“I think the awareness level has definitely
heightened because of it, and the teams are
taking better precautions,” Cleveland Browns
linebacker David Bowens said. “There are a
lot of steps being taken.”
 UNION NEWS

(AP Photo)
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(AP Photo)

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis said he was in no rush to return to the field after suffering a concussion.

By raising awareness and prompting discussions about the significance of

head injuries, players and their union have elevated the issue to a high level.

The union has made it a priority to discuss the
lingering, long-term effects of head injuries
to players on all 32 teams. By forming its own
committee to address the issue and pushing
the league to revamp its concussion committee,
the union is taking the initiative to prolong
the length of players’ careers.
Players recognize that they are role models for
millions of youth across the world. The union
believes that implementing these changes
means the example will trickle down to all
levels of football.
According to the NFL, approximately 175
concussions occur each season, including
preseason and postseason. However, given
the team-first mentality that many players have prevention and understanding of concussions
[not fully disclosing their symptoms because in the NFL.
of a desire to help their team win] that figure
likely is higher. “There is been a resistance on behalf of the
NFL to embrace a number of medical studies
“It was growing in a sense that we needed over the last few years,” Smith said. “It is the
a clearer-cut mandate independent of the primary reason we formed our own traumatic
league,” said Mayer, a clinical professor of brain injury committee. We don’t have to rely
emergency medicine at George Washington on the people who employ our players to
University in Washington, D.C. do everything.”
Knowing that concussions affect not only the
player involved, but also his family, the NFLPA
wants all players to report head injuries and
their effects to doctors. By positioning itself
on the front lines of the issue, the union has
made considerable progress in addressing the

PAGE 7 SUMMER 2010

 UNION NEWS

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CENTER stage
at the Safety Welfare Summit by Khalil Garriott

INDIANAPOLIS
While the NFL Scouting Combine is centered
on NFL prospects going through the gauntlet
for each of the 32 clubs, hoping to be drafted
in April, many other important activities take
place during the annual event.
The purpose of the forum was to generate
meaningful discussions between players and
representatives from the sports equipment
and nutrition industries in hopes of ultimately
increasing player health and safety. More than
20 current and former players attended the
summit, each listening to presentations from
select companies exhibiting their products
and services that are designed to help make
the game safer.
“We need experts working on clear, concise
methods to our safety through working with
FL doctors and our staff,” said Sean Morey,
NFL Morey
NFLPA Executive Committee member, who
kicked off the summit. “It’s an issue that’s
really important.”
Among current players in attendance were
linebackers DeMeco Ryans, Takeo Spikes,
Adalius Thomas and DeMarcus Ware
as well as receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh
of the Seattle Seahawks. Among the other
Player Reps who attended were Pittsburgh
Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch, Chicago
Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and
kicker Robbie Gould, the Indianapolis
Colts linebacker Gary Brackett and center
Jeff Saturday and New York Jets running
back Tony Richardson. Union leaders feel
it is paramount to do their part in addressing
safety concerns and precautions they have
noticed during their varied years in the NFL.
Ware said, “The importance of the Player
Safety and Welfare Summit is to bring the
players and distributors together for input on
the equipment and where we can improve it.
We are trying to do whatever we can to get
the best performance out of the products. A
lot of guys get these products and they don’t
know how to use them, but being here, we
are learning how to use the products safely.”
Opening remarks were given by NFLPA Senior
Regional Director Jason Belser, a former
Colts defensive back returning to Indianapolis,
NFLPA Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer
and Mark Verstegen, a renowned athletic
trainer, performance expert and author. The
summit featured representatives from a wide
range of industries within the world of sports:
protective gear, footwear, concussion/medical
protocols, prevention/rehab, playing fields
and nutrition.
“The players have invested in it, they believe
this is a great thing and we have received a
lot of good feedback from this,” Belser said.
“It gets us one step closer to giving them
independence for making decisions on their
safety and welfare.”
During the morning session, many well-known
performance companies gave presentations
to the players. Executives from Adams USA,
Riddell, Schutt, Douglas, Xenith, Reebok,
Nike, Under Armour, CereScan and Arp Wave
discussed the strides they are making in the
area of athletic safety and welfare.
The afternoon portion of the forum featured
presentations from FieldTurf USA, EverGreen
Turf, Astro Turf, PolyTan USA, G9 Turf,
“I’m going to make sure my
teammates are aware of a lot of
things that are going on with
their bodies and make sure they
are taking care of their bodies,
first and foremost, and second
of all, using information I got
here and taking it back to them,”
– Walt Harris
Gatorade, Nordic Naturals, TMS Sports and
Slap-Kord. Former NFL players who have
successfully transitioned into post-playing
careers, such as Don Hasselbeck (Reebok)
and Ryan Kuehl (Under Armour) connected
with players by advocating their companies’
methods of injury prevention and ensuring
athletes’ overall well-being.
“Our goal at Reebok is to get a shoe to fit
your foot,” Hasselbeck said. “We encourage
an energy-return system that helps guys work
out and get as much energy out of the shoe
as you can. Overall, we’re trying to create a
better monster for training.”
Manufacturers discussed an array of topics,
which included research and development,
technological advancements, product critques
and concussions/medical rehab concerns.
They also shared data pertaining to their
products, advantages, future growth points
of their business, upcoming changes to their
products and methods employed for the
betterment of players.

PAGE 8 SUMMER 2010

 UNION NEWS

Leadership Corner
SPEAKING OUT

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by Glendalyn Junio
Ryans spoke at a community event during 2010 Pro Bowl Week.

Speaks
Out

“Coming in, you kind of think that this is just about

football; but you need to become a true professional.”
In his line of work, Houston Texans’ linebacker DeMeco Ryans has become an indisputable
force. As a rookie, the Alabama-native garnered honors as the 2006 AP Defensive Rookie
of the Year after leading the NFL with 126 solo tackles. Since his prolific debut season,
Ryans has continued to be a major strength in the team, leading the team for the fourth
consecutive season in tackles in 2009 (123 tackles). While in his fourth season in the league,
Ryans also emphasizes the importance of understanding his job as a professional Ryans attended the NFLPA Player Reps
orientation in January.
and relaying that message to rookies.

ON WHAT HE’S GAINED: ON AN ALREADY PERFECT SEASON: ON YOUTH CAMPS:

It’s been good being a Player Rep so far. I’ve
gained a lot of knowledge and learned a lot of
information that I can take in for myself and
relate to my teammates once I get back
to Houston.
ON BEING A PROFESSIONAL:
Younger players first of all need to know how
to be professionals. Coming in, you kind of
think that this is just about football; but you
need to become a true professional and not
just be focusing on football. You need to focus
on what you’re going to do after football and
be keeping track of your finances so you can
provide for your family.
We don’t need an extended season; I think I do a lot of football camps in Houston, along
that the season is long enough. You get a lot with Alabama, where I also do a cheerleading
of work in training camp and the preseason camp. I’ll also read at schools and am always
games, so I think that the season now is talking to kids any chance I get, telling them
perfect. I don’t see the benefit of adding extra to do well in school and keep up their grades.
games. Extra games are going to leave guys
out there to be more prone to getting injured. ON JUST RELAXING:
[After Pro Bowl], it is open so I can do my
ON HIS HELMET OFF:
camps, take it easy and rest up for the off-
It is very important for all players to get season. I’m trying to do a little golfing and
involved in the community. You need to make trying to get better at it. It’s always fun and
sure that people see you without your helmet. relaxing to play golf.
You can go out there and participate, help out
and talk to little kids who definitely look up
to you; and even a lot of those adults who look
up to us guys that are in the league. It’s our
jobs to be those role models in the community
and to do as much as we can to help.

PAGE 9 SUMMER 2010

 UNI Y
Active and Former Players Display Unity
during Annual Convention
by CK Leon

The One Team philosophy continued to gain momentum as players, past

and present, gathered in Hawaii in March.

PAGE 10 SUMMER 2010

W A I L E A / M A U I , H A W A I I

For the first time in history, the annual NFLPA Board meetings
were marked by a joint session of current and former players.
The Board of Player Reps solidified a revitalized relationship
between the two groups by unanimously passing a resolution
to add two non-voting seats for former players on the Union’s
Executive Committee.

PAGE 11 SUMMER 2010

“When [DeMaurice Smith] took over as executive director last year, a big part
of his plan was, ‘How do we bring those players back into the fold, how do we
debunk that myth that we don’t care about them and how do we unite and
make us stronger?’ ” – Kevin Mawae
 DeMaurice Smith spoke to the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl huddles at the end of practice.
NFLPA President Kevin Mawae,
unanimously elected to a second term during
the annual meeting, called the resolution
“the last piece of the puzzle to be put in place”
acknowledging the contributions and concerns
of former players.
“Part of that was to bring those guys here to
have the first ever joint meeting with them
so they could sit in on some of our meetings
and understand that when we work through
our issues, there’s always a time when retired
players are talked about or thought about,
and that when we do get more money, we
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former players.”
++++++++++++
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Former Players Board of Directors president and
an additional board member. As part of the
resolution, a third former player — a chapter
president — will be invited to attend and
participate in Executive Committee meetings.
Jean Fugett, president of the Former Players
Board of Directors, said his constituents have
long wanted to be able to be at the table with
the active players.
“We have wanted to be able to fully support
the players and work side by side, shoulder
to shoulder with the current players, and we
achieved that goal this year,” said Fugett, a
tight end for the Dallas Cowboys and the
Washington Redskins from 1972-79.
Bringing the two groups together for a similar
purpose was a particularly urgent task, when
considering the contentious negotiations with
NFL owners, who opted out of the collective
bargaining agreement extension reached in
2006, setting the stage for a lockout next year.
“It’s been important for a long time, and it’s
especially important now that the owners are
trying to use the former players as a bargaining
chip in their negotiations,” Fugett said. “It’s
been a negotiating tactic going back to 1974,
when I went out on strike, to divide our locker
rooms and then to divide the active and former
players, but they’re not going to be able do it.
It gives us a voice. It gives us representation
and it gives us a formal role. Now, we have an
ongoing channel of communication and also
transparency, because we’ll be at the table.”
Paul Guidry, a linebacker for Buffalo and
Houston from 1966-73, called the addition of
two former players to the NFLPA’s Executive
Committee “a huge step.”
Guidry and other former players were honored
during the Board of Reps Meeting for their
efforts on behalf of the union, often at great
personal and professional expense. As a result
of his involvement in the players’ lawsuit
challenging the “Rozelle Rule” which severely
restricted free agency, and much of his other
union activities, Guidry said he was benched,
traded and released without cause.
“I was in Buffalo but had been traded to
Houston,” Guidry recalled. “I got a call from
the players association saying that Bills players
were thinking about breaking the strike and
PAGE 13 SUMMER 2010

Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith addresses the joint session.
could I go over there and try to convince them
not to. I did, and upon settlement of that, when
the players went back to camp, as soon as I got
back to Houston I was cut immediately.”
Decades later, Guidry said active NFL players
have to be ready to battle and sacrifice, if
necessary, for fair compensation and benefits.
“You still have to fight.”
– Kevin Mawae
Mawae said there is “absolutely no doubt” that
the NFL wants to foment dissension in the
ranks and ignite conflict between active and
former players, as it has been during past labor
disputzes. Most notably, the league hired
former NFLPA President George Martin in
October 2009 for the newly created position
of head of the NFL Alumni Association.
“The NFL Alumni Association got George
Martin, a former player paid by management,
to bring other players over to their side, and
their message has always been anti-union and
anti-player,” Mawae said.
Mawae said that the unity and brotherhood
emanating from the session of 200 active and
former players during the Maui meetings will
serve as an effective counterpoint to attempts
by NFL owners to undermine player resolve.
“I think it is going to cause other guys to
reconsider their position, because at the end of
the day, you are either with management or
you’re with the players,” said Mawae, who was
joined on the Executive Committee by new
members Charlie Batch, Scott Fujita, Sean
Morey and Brian Waters and returning
members Drew Brees, Brian Dawkins,
PAGE 14 SUMMER 2010
former players at the meeting. “I think that’s
awesome,” she said. “It felt good. It didn’t
seem faked or forced. It was very genuine.”
Mawae stressed that the players hope that
the owners will make a good-faith
ffaith effort
toward negotiating a new CBA before taking
the drastic step of a lockout, which would
bring the widely profitable league to an
unwanted halt.
“Our fans need to know that we want to play,”
Mawae said. “We love coming out of the
tunnel with 65,000 fans cheering for us. It’s
what we do and what we’ve done our entire
lives. It’s what we love, and now someone is
trying to take that away from us.
Domonique Foxworth, Tony Richardson,
Jeff Saturday and Mike Vrabel.
The annual meeting also was a chance for
the union to educate players and their wives
that under the current CBA, management is
not required to continue health care, tuition
assistance or other benefits in the event
of a lockout.
“Fans need to know that it
“Active players need to be prepared for a worst-
case scenario, which is a lockout,” Mawae said. is not about millionaires
“We’re gonna get locked out and I know the and billionaires. It’s about
wives are extremely upset and worried about
the health benefits. You look around and you
the fundamental right to
see the young kids, the pregnant moms and do the job that you love to
things like that, those are issues the players do in a corporation that
are going to have to deal with. Right now, 100
percent of prenatal care is paid for. After the is not losing money in the
2010 season, they [the owners] don’t have to most difficult economic
pay for any of that. time in our country, and
“I’m a vested veteran with five years of post- our bosses are telling us
play insurance. I could lose that because of the to please take a pay cut
work stoppage,” he continued. “And I could
lose the benefits for continuing my education.
because they are not
Those are things I fought for and I worked for making enough money
and I put it on the line for management to even though they have
make billions.”
lost nothing.”
Houston schoolteacher Tamika Holdman said
– Kevin Mawae
her family depends on husband Warrick
Holdman’s health-care benefits as a former
NFL player. Warrick Holdman played nine
seasons as a linebacker before leaving the game
due to a spinal cord injury that initially left
him paralyzed.
Tamika Holdman said that her 34-year-old
husband is doing better now, but he suffers
a lingering disability that has left him barely
able to lift their 6-year-old daughter. She said
she is most concerned about making sure
her family has continued health care and
was encouraged by the attention shown to
 PLAYER NEWS
NFLPA
Partnership
AARP by David Elfin
“There’s a new spirit of service sweeping the country and Americans of all ages are rallying
to improve our country and our communities. By bringing players out into the communities,
we hope to engage more and more people and get them motivated to lend a helping hand.”
Upon his election as Executive Director of the
NFLPA in March 2009, DeMaurice Smith
promised to take care of the retired players,
saying that long-disgruntled group was part
of the NFLPA family and always would be.
One way that Smith is putting those words
into action is with a newly created partnership
with the AARP, the nation’s most prominent
organization for those fifty and older. The
partnership, conceived with the help of the
sportscaster James Brown, was announced on
Feb. 4 in Ft. Lauderdale, three days before
Super Bowl XLIV.
“We are excited about this new collaboration
between AARP and the NFLPA,” Smith said.
“All NFL players, both active and retired,
believe in the importance of giving back to
their communities and AARP’s Create The
Good initiative will allow our players to
continue the good work they do alongside
the fans who cheer them on.”
A ARP’s Community Service Ambassador,
Brown, has hosted the NFL Players Gala the
last seven years to honor those players who
exemplify dedication and their commitment
to the team and their community.
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AARP Volunteer & Civic Engagement Office
Through a shared platform at createthegood. a busy corner in Manhattan to raise awareness
com, former players can post their community of dangerous intersections and to promote
service announcements and projects to AARP’s “Complete Streets” that considers the needs
40 million members, a much larger audience of aging pedestrians.
than the group who used to wear cleats and
helmets for a living. These projects are just the start of what is
expected to be a growing partnership between
The first such event that benefited from the the NFLPA and AARP. Every current NFL
partnership was headed by Ross Browner, player will be a former player one day and at
the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end age 50 will be eligible to join AARP.
and President of the NFLPA Former Players
Nashville chapter. Browner and Company “We care about our former players,” said Teri
renovated two houses for needy senior citizens Patterson, Smith’s special counsel. “That’s the
in Nashville on April 17. big reason for our partnership with AARP.
Our former players’ biggest concern is health
According to the AARP’s website, “The three care and we realized that AARP was doing a
NFLPA participants Ross Browner [former lot of things right on that issue. We want to
Buffalo Bills linebacker], Jimmy Robinson emulate a lot of things they do.”
and John Pointer dove right in to work and
promoted the effort, spending the better part
of the day with us. They did everything we
asked and more (even caravanning across
town from one house to the other to meet
the media and volunteer needs).”
Just two days later, former Bills offensive tackle
Corey Louchiey, president of the NFLPA’s
Former Players New York /New ew Jersey chapter,
was one of the 8,000 volunteers who stood on
PAGE 15 SUMMER 2010
 PLAYER NEWS

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With Ramogi Huma by David Elfin

As a sophomore linebacker at UCLA in 1996. Ramogi Huma realized there was something wrong with
college football. Not the games, the practices or the hoopla. Rather, Huma realized that the NCAA didn’t treat
the players fairly. So he decided to take action.

When the NFL owners opted out of the

(AP Photo)

collective bargaining extension, causing the

disappearance of the salary cap in 2010, the
first thought was that prospective free agents
would be the big winners because such free-
spenders as Dan Snyder of the Washington
Redskins and Jerry Jones of the Dallas
Cowboys would have no restrictions when it
came to buying top talent.

Guess again. The opt-out action turned 212

fourth-and fifth-year
ear players from unrestricted
free agents to restricted free agents and thus
almost ruined their chances of changing teams.

As of May 1, only one player, running back

Mike Bell, had switched cities, moving from
New Orleans to Philadelphia after signing

UNCAPPED YEAR
an offer sheet with the Eagles that the Saints
didn’t match.

Ninety-nine players had signed the one-year

tenders offered by their clubs. Only seven had

by David Elfin Slashes Player Movement obtained longer-term deals, 3, receiver Jason
Avant, Pro Bowl fullback Leonard Weaver
and defensive end Darryl Tapp (after a trade
from Seattle) with Philadelphia thanks to the
Eagles’ creativity with the system.

PAGE 16 SUMMER 2010

 PLAYER NEWS
“One of my teammates, Donnie Edwards,
who went on to play a long time in the NFL,
was suspended for accepting some groceries
that someone had left on his doorstep after
he had gone on the radio talking about how
tough it was to make ends meet on a football
scholarship,” Huma recalled. “Then I learned
that if a player was injured during ‘voluntary’
workouts, he had to pay for his own medical
coverage. I felt like college athletes had
influence that we weren’t using.”
Huma then reached out to numerous unions.
Only the United Steelworkers responded and
with their backing, the National College
Players Association was born. Today, the NCPA
has about 14,000 members, half of whom are
on current the Division I rosters, the other
half alumni.
Soon after DeMaurice Smith became Executive
Director of the NFLPA in March 2009, Huma
got excited about the potential partnership
with the NCPA. Such players as quarterbacks
Carson Palmer (Southern California) of the
Cincinnati Bengals and Derek Anderson
(Oregon State) of the Arizona Cardinals are
now members of both the NFLPA and NCPA.
Like Tapp, quarterbacks Jason Campbell
(Washington Redskins to Oakland Raiders)
and Charlie Whitehurst (San Diego Chargers
to Seattle Seahawks) and Pro Bowl receiver
Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos to Miami
Dolphins) received multiple-year contracts
after trades. Green Bay safety Nick Collins
signed a long-term deal to stay put with the
Green Bay Packers.
All told, 107 of the fourth-year and fifth - year
Aplayers had come to terms by May 1 with an
average annual compensation of $1.98 million.
But nearly half of the players who would have
been able to fully test the market under the old
system were so frustrated by the restrictions on
their movement that they remained unsigned
two weeks after their right to obtain offers had
ended. That group which included Pro Bowl
guard Logan Mankins of the New England
Patriots, running backs Ronnie Brown of
the Miami Dolphins, Jerome Harrison of
the Cleveland Browns and Carnell Williams
of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the San Diego
Chargers Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne
Merriman, New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl
guard Jahri Evans and the rising receivers
“It makes sense for the two organizations to collaborate. We’re working
with future NFL players, some of whom might be heading into a lockout
in 2011. Our mission is to give student-athletes the means and a voice
to try change NCAA rules which, according to an Ithaca College study,
leave each of them on average $2,700 short of what it takes to truly
attend school like a typical student. And how many high school recruits
know that their four-year scholarship offers are for one year and can be
revoked for any reason?”
– Ramogi Huma
The NCPA has had some success in affecting for them to have a good understanding of the
change. Schools can now choose to cover the issues when they reach the NFL.”
players with insurance during “voluntary”
workouts. The dreaded two-a-days can no “The NCPA is a great thing,” said Pittsburgh
longer be held on consecutive days. Student Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. “It is
that are athletes can accept leadership-type something I really support.”
scholarships from churches and many other
community organizations to supplement their
athletic stipends while the $2,000 salary cap
on what they can earn from part-time jobs
was eliminated as were the limits on their
health care coverage. Membership in the NCPA is free.
NFLPA members can sign up or
“We have legislation pending in California,
and we are hopeful that a student-athletes
make a donation at
bill Huma said. “If college athletes learn how www.ncpanow.org
to use their influence now, it will make it easier
Last offseason with the cap still in effect, 118 players with four or
five years experience became unrestricted free agents. The average
annual compensation of their new contracts was $2.1 million.
Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys and Another 45 players re-signed with their original
Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers. clubs, but at least they had the opportunity to
explore the market. The Redskins cornerback
All are expected to eventually re-sign, many DeAngelo Hall, the Philadelphia Eagles
for much less than they would have received offensive lineman Stacey Andrews and
in the marketplace. And if they settle for the the New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan
one-year tender, they won’t have the security Vilma who led the way among the ones that
of a long-term contract. re-upped, averaging $7.37 million a year.
Seventy - t hree of those 118 players changed
teams. Among the ones who switched were
cornerback Domonique Foxworth (Denver
Broncos to Baltimore Ravens), center Jason
Brown (Baltimore Ravens to St. Louis Rams)
and defensive lineman Chris Canty (Dallas
Cowboys to New York Giants). Their deals
averaged $6.96 million per year compared to
the top 2010 RFA tender of $3.268 million.
PAGE 17 SUMMER 2010
 PLAYER NEWS

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2010 Conference by Chris Perkins

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.
It took Luther Elliss seventeen seconds to
construct a tower of styrofoam coffee cups.
It took Spencer Tillman under a second to
destroy what Elliss had built.
The message from the NFLPA was clear.
During this session of the 2010 Financial
Advisors Conference, it was simplistic and
yet poignant.
It takes only one brief event [a lockout, for
example] for an NFL player to lose everything
he has worked hard to accomplish financially.
Getting players prepared for the possibility of
a lockout should be a prime goal for financial
advisors, Elliss said.
“I need you guys to sit down and be real with
me,” Elliss said, speaking for all players.
Tillman, the former Houston Oilers running
back and current CBS college football analyst,
moderated the event. But Elliss was the star.
A former player rep, Elliss earned more than
$11 million from 2000 to 2004 as a pass-
rushing defensive end for the Detroit Lions.
But he used his experiences to offer chilling,
albeit well-documented testimony of how
things can go wrong. “I declared bankruptcy,”
Elliss said.
Elliss, who had an eleven year NFL career,
candidly discussed his June 2009 bankruptcy
filing, how players can be better prepared
for life and work stoppages and the close
relationship financial advisors need to form
with players, among other topics. He stressed
that many players don’t realize they lack the
basic financial knowledge needed to deal with
their paychecks.
“We don’t know what we don’t know,” Elliss
said to the financial advisors. “And it’s your
job to teach us.”
Elliss, who lost his money due to poor financial
decision, said he does not blame his current
woes on his financial advisor.
“I don’t blame anybody but me,” Elliss said.
“It was because I was getting into things
while I was playing that did not help me do
the things I was trying to do [when I retired].
I wanted to make more money so I could
give it away.”
Elliss, mindful of a potential lockout, offered
practical tips such as wearing casual attire
and talking in understandable terms when
advisors meet with players. He said players can
be intimidated by expensive suits, financial
jargon, charts and graphs, which can cause
players to tune out the message.
Elliss then also suggested forcing a player
to construct and maintain a budget, instead
of doing it for him. “You’ve got to teach
them how to fish,” he said. “You guys are
going to impact our legacy.”
Elliss placed the onus on the financial advisors
to keep players pointed in the right direction
and apprised of what is going on financially.
He then said when a player goes astray, it is
time to talk.
“You’ve got to be strong enough
to say, ‘Timeout. That’s not in the
game plan we talked about.’ ”
– Luther Ellis
At the conference, many pointed out that the
financial advisor should stay committed to the
player’s long-term benefit. That’s where the
payoff comes for the financial advisor. Elliss
said it doesn’t do either party any good when
the player may be broke after his career ends.
Not only that, Elliss said, once an advisor
treats a player well, he or she gets valuable
word-of-mouth advertising in the locker room.
As for the possibility of a lockout, the NFLPA
Financial Advisors Conference hammered
home the importance of lockout preparedness
through building a strong financial foundation
with good spending habits, frank discussions
and understandable dialogue.
A lockout would severely impact every player,
active and former, so it’s crucial to have solid
roots planted to weather the possible storm.
And that starts now.
“It always takes longer to create something,”
Tillman said, “than it takes to destroy it.”
For more information visit
www.nflplayers.com/multimedia

PAGE 18 SUMMER 2010

 PLAYER NEWS
First-time player reps attend meetings at the NFLPA headquarters in Washington.
WASHINGTON
Newly-elected player representatives
and alternate representatives to the
NFL Players Association received a
thorough education on their duties,
responsibilities and rights on
Jan. 20 at NFLPA headquarters.
The daylong orientation featured a wide
range of information disseminated to players
representing their teammates, who voted them
to be leaders in the locker room as well as in
the board room.
“I think this is one of the most important
jobs that we’re facing right now,” said Pro
Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans of the
Houston Texans. “I just hope to gain a lot of
information that will improve my knowledge
of the union and the services that it offers,
and take it to all my teammates. I’m just
trying to take it all in, and get a true grasp
on everything.”
The day began with reps being interviewed
by NFLPLAYERS.COM as well as a video
crew. The NFLPA President Kevin Mawae
officially opened the session and was followed
by NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice
Smith, who briefed the players on the CBA
meetings with the league. General Counsel
Richard Berthelsen and Associate General
Counsel Tom DePaso then gave updates on
legal issues and protocols, respectively.
The 26 players in attendance next heard a
presentation from Keith Gordon, Acting
President of NFL PLAYERS, the marketing
and licensing subsidiary of the players union.
Leaders of the NFLPA’s Regional Directors
department, including former players Jason
Belser, Tom Carter, Ernie Conwell and
Scottie Graham, discussed the duties and
responsibilities of each player representative,
as well as those of each regional director,
and concluded with a video that detailed the
NFLPA’s history.
“I think it is a great opportunity for me to
understand what goes on in the league, but it
also gives myself and Rashied Davis  — who’s
also here—a chance to help guys out in the
locker room,” said Chicago Bears alternate rep
Robbie Gould. “If you’re going to do it, you
obviously have that mentality that you want
to do it and you want to be a part of it. It’s
going to be an interesting year with the CBA
coming up, so it’s something I can learn, that
will help me for my career later, and a lot of
my teammates as well.”
Following lunch, players received rotating
introductions to 12 NFLPA department heads
including former the New York Giant Stacy
Robinson (Player Development) and former
Washington Redskin Andre Collins (Retired
Players). Former NFL assistant coach Larry
Kennan discussed the role of the NFL Coaches
Association. The department heads from the
Benefits, Membership Services, Salary Cap &
Agent Administration, Financial Programs,
Information Systems, Communications, Public
Policy, Finance & Asset Management and the
Executive also gave brief presentations.
“I think the main thing is finding the best
way to represent the players on our team,” said
Brian Moorman of the Buffalo Bills. “This
is obviously an important time in our history
REPS
NEW PLAYER
Gather for
Orientation by Khalil Garriott
right now, and to be able to answer all those
questions my teammates have is key. They
really rely on us to get them the information
they need, and to tell them where we’re at
in the process.”
The afternoon also included an office tour of
each of the NFLPA’s four floors — allowing
players to meet the staffers who help make the
union what it is — as well as a second round
of video and website interviews.
Finally, the reps met various leaders from
other unions at a “Labor Leaders Reception”
before a dinner at The Monocle restaurant
on Capitol Hill that preceded the next day’s
meetings with the members of Congress.
The new representative orientation served as
an introduction for dozens of players to their
union at a critical juncture in its legacy. Players
will bring back to their locker rooms a wealth
of information including the staff resources,
history of their union, CBA issues, benefits,
services and more.
“There’s no better way to have a voice than
to be involved in the union, and that’s how
I felt when I was nominated and accepted,”
Moorman said. “It’s as important a time as
any to get involved and I’m proud to represent
my teammates.”
PAGE 19 SUMMER 2010

NFL PLAYERS
Visit Capitol Hill
Players gather on the steps of Capitol Hill before visiting members of Congress.
WASHINGTON
In a professional sport whose owners are
threatening to lock out its players, making
sure there is a level playing field in labor
negotiations is paramount.
On Jan. 21, more than two dozen NFL players
visited Capitol Hill to meet with members of
Congress in hopes of gaining the lawmakers’
support in preventing club owners from
imposing a lockout after the next season.
“We’re just letting the members of Congress
know that we are not trying to walk away
from the game, that we want to play,” said
Philadelphia Eagles kicker David Akers.
“We’re just trying to make sure that they
know what issues are out there and that the
players are united to do whatever we can
to have a fair negotiation with the owners,
so that we can keep this great product
on the field.”
The 20 active and five former players were
joined by NFL Players Association Executive
Director DeMaurice Smith and several of his
staff members. The party split into four groups
and met with more than a dozen members of
Congress over eight hours including Assistant
Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Il.);
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.), Ranking Member
of the Judiciary Committee; Sen. Herb Kohl
(D-Wi.), Chairman of the Judiciary Sub-
committee on Antitrust, Competition Policy
and Consumer Rights; and Sen. John Ensign
(R-Nv.) as well as House Judiciary Committee
Chairman John Conyers (D-Mi.); Oversight
and Gov. Reform Committee Chairman Ed
PAGE 20 SUMMER 2010
by Mike Donnelly
Towns (D-NY), Darrel Issa (R-Ca.), Ranking
Member of the Oversight and Gov. Reform
Committee; and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Ca.).
“[Rep. Conyers] kind of called the Judiciary
Committee hearing on the American Needle
case, so it was good to go sit in front of him
and speak with him before that hearing,”
said NFLPA President Kevin Mawae, most
recently with the Tennessee Titans. “We
know that he is a friend of ours. But it would
have been even better if he could listen to the
other players and see the responses they’ve
gotten from other members of Congress.”
The group of players who participated in
the Capitol Hill visit in addition to Akers
and Mawae were: Charlie Batch (Pittsburgh),
John Booty (retired), Jason Brown (St. Louis),
Ricky Brown (Oakland), Greg Camarillo
(Miami), Kevin Carter (retired), Eugene
Chung (retired), Danny Clark (N.Y. Giants),
Rashied Davis (Chicago), Greg Ellis (then
with Oakland), Brian Finneran (Atlanta),
Robbie Gould (Chicago), Nolan Harrison
(retired), Pete Kendall (retired), Chester
Pitts (Houston), Antwaan Randle El
(Pittsburgh), DeMeco Ryans (Houston), Adam
Terry (Baltimore), Joe Thomas (Cleveland),
DeShea Townsend (Pittsburgh), Dewayne
White (Detroit), Chris Wilson (Washington)
and Eric Winston (Houston).
During the meetings, the players explained
to the members of Congress that the NFL is
enjoying unprecedented prosperity including
a 400 percent increase in revenues over the
PLAYER NEWS
past decade. Last season alone, the league
generated $8 billion in revenue. The owners,
however, voted to opt-out of the current
Collective Bargaining Agreement two years
early, meaning it will expire if an extension
isn’t agreed to by March.
The players told the members of Congress that
transparency is key to negotiating a fair deal.
“There were several issues that we discussed
today,” Mawae had said. “One of them was
transparency, so that we can negotiate more
fairly. It is kind of hard to understand why
[the owners] want to make players take a 20
percent pay cut when they can’t show us a
20 percent loss. We hope this is a way to get
management to open up their books for us so
that we can better negotiate at the table.”
The players stressed to lawmakers that
they have the power to influence the NFL,
especially in light of the league’s antitrust
exemptions that were granted by Congress.
“I see where you kind of have to have a check
and balance, and if we are the check and
balance, so be it and I’ll be happy to do what
we can,” said Rep. Issa.
In addition, the players pointed out to the
lawmakers that a lockout would hurt everyone
associated with the business of pro football.
“After speaking with the
members of Congress, it’s
clear they don’t want to
see the greatest game in
America stop being played,
for not only themselves,
but for their constituents
and those hundreds of
thousands of people who
will be out of jobs.”
– Joe Thomas
Thomas and his fellow players are optimistic
that the new relationships built on the Hill
will make a difference.
“This was a very positive experience because it
gave the players the opportunity to step away
from the field and let others know that we are
more than just football players,” Mawae said.
“It was good to see that a lot of the members
of Congress are already aware of the issues that
are going on. We were able to drive home some
of those issues.”
 PLAYER PROGRAMS
The new and improved site is a vast
upgrade from its earlier iteration, featuring a
number of design tweaks and development
enhancements which will benefit the members.
A cleaner, crisper layout greets visitors on the
home page, where the day’s top stories rotate
along with associated images and related links.
“We are confident that our new Web site has a
greatly improved overall look and feel.”
NFLPLAYERS.COM currently reflects the
union’s emphasis on protecting the interests of
all players, as well as promoting them. As the
union prepares its players to be locked out by
the league, a global site theme called “Lockout
Watch” is found at the top of every page
throughout the site. Two “Special Interest”
promotions also are prominently located
on the home page: one which takes visitors
to “NFLPA Lockout Central,” a one-stop
shop for all lockout-related information and
the other called “NFLPA Legends,” which
describes in depth the NFLPA’s commitment
to former players.
“On our new site, you can clearly see the focus
we have put, as an organization, on preparing
all players for the great probability of a lockout
by the NFL owners,” Atallah said. “A corollary
point of emphasis is spotlighting our former
WEB SITE
Relaunched on Super Bowl Sunday
players, the ones who fought to make this
game great, and the importance they play in
our messaging going forward.”
– George Atallah, NFLPA
Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs
Based on feedback from membership, several
functionality changes were implemented.
Among the other changes to the new site
were changing the black background to a
white background, making the text more
legible and increasing the ease of navigation.
In addition, as has become the standard for
most sports Web sites, a prominent area for
multimedia features was added, including
podcasts, videos and photo galleries.
The redesigned NFLPLAYERS.COM offers a
more responsive and interactive user interface
for all visitors. All registered users may now
customize the content they view on their own
personal dashboards. Registered users are also
now able to add items to their dashboards and
view the content they select after logging into
the site. Other functionality enhancements
include improved security, the ability to create
NFLPA’S OFFICIAL
by NFLPA Communications Staff
a unique username, a revamped and more
responsive player grid, an overhauled search
function with built-in filters and the removal
of Flash from the old site, making it more
mobile-friendly.
f
friendly.
On the new site, it is now possible to share
stories or videos with several social media
outlets simply by clicking and dragging
on the title. Additionally, a new bar graph
located in the footer gives visitors fast access
to the top stories on NFLPLAYERS.COM.
The “Member Services” portion of the site
has been made completely private, reducing
confusion when looking for member-specific
information, and the trivia and sweepstakes
promotions now require registration.
The design and development of the new site
was undertaken by the NFLPA’s Information
Systems department and headed by Gustavo
Tandeciarz, Assistant Director of Information
Systems. By maintaining in -house control of
the project, the NFLPA was able to capitalize
on its internal familiarity with member needs
while minimizing costs.
PAGE 21 SUMMER 2010
 PLAYER PROGRAMS

DEDICATED TO
NFL DADS

DAUGHTERS
Brian Mitchell and
Lorenzo Alexander meet
with fans at a book
signing at Costco in
Arlington, Va.

by Lauren R. Williams

There is so much more to NFL players than what is displayed on Sunday. Beyond the professional, competitor
and leader on the field is a role that is often overlooked, which is that of a father. In spite of the aggressive,
hard-hitting nature of the sport, players featured in NFL Dads Dedicated to Daughters reveal a softer side
of themselves.

PAGE 22 SUMMER 2010

 PLAYER PROGRAMS

“Social norms tell men to be stoic, unexpressive,

domineering, and tough; but these men feel
otherwise, especially when it comes to their own
daughters. The hope is that all men will think of
how they would want someone to treat their
daughters when they’re faced with challenging
domestic situations.”
– Stacy Robinson,
Director of Player Development

The book celebrates the special relationship shared between fathers and
daughters – one that inspires and motivates these men to excel as fathers
in the same way that they excel in other areas of their lives. In the spirit
of their daughters and wanting a better world for them, these men share
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moving personal accounts on responsible fatherhood and how others can +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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play a role in stopping domestic violence. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The NFL Players Association and the NFL teamed with Tony Porter of
A Call To Men and Triumph Books to bring the idea, which originated
from life skills sessions, to life. Porter started facilitating life skills Top:
sessions for players two years ago and his program was well received Takeo Spikes and his daughter meet
with fans in San Francisco
by players all over the league. The heartfelt discussions and personal
stories shared before and after the program were so powerful, that he Right:
Brian Dawkins signs books for
wanted to memorialize them in a way that could reach men all over the Broncos fans in Denver.
country. After nearly two years of developing the concept, interviewing
players and selecting photographs, NFL Dads Dedicated to Daughters
was complete.

It’s not too often that we see the men of the NFL focus on this aspect of
their family life. “The definition of manhood has become distorted,” said
Stacy Robinson, Director of Player Development for the NFLPA.
In the book, Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb
writes, “We cannot continue to support a man who needs to dominate a
woman in order to boost his own confidence and feel like a man. There
are legal consequences for violent actions but there should be social
ramifications amongst men as well.”
In addition to McNabb, nearly 70 other men from around the NFL take
on the full responsibility of role-model to educate future generations
though leading by example and demonstrating healthy love for the
women in their lives. Robinson believes that people will learn a new side
of their favorite players and hopes that fans will support it. All proceeds
will go to nonprofit organizations, which deal with domestic violence
education and prevention.
organization. “This was a first for a project like this, which made it
challenging but very rewarding to see the finished product. I commend
every one of them, who went out of their way to make NFL Dads
Dedicated to Daughters a success.”
Satchell credits Lorenzo Alexander, Bertrand Berry, Jerome
Bettis, Andra Davis, Brian Dawkins, Jay Feely, Tony Gonzalez,
Walt Harris, Ty Knott, Donovan McNabb, Brian Mitchell, Chester
Pitts, Takeo Spikes, David Thornton and DeMarcus Ware for
hosting book signings to promote the book.
“Their commitment to the book and the cause speaks volumes,” she said.
“It was an honor and privilege to work with them.”

Leslie Satchell, Manager of Player Development for the NFLPA and

editor of the book called the project a huge undertaking for the

PAGE 23 SUMMER 2010

 PLAYER PROGRAMS

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TV
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“NFLPA TV is TV programming for the Players

that is created and delivered by the Players.”
– Keith Gordon, President
NFL PLAYERS
by NFLPA Communications Staff

On May 6, the NFLPA proudly launched
the pilot episode of NFLPA TV, a custom,
interactive, Web-based TV network that has
been created to deliver news and information
directly to players.
NFLPA TV will help players, their families
and agents stay informed throughout the year
and remain connected to labor and business
issues facing the NFLPA and its members.
Jones-Drew served as the correspondents for
the network, making it truly a news source by
the players for the players.
In its first episodes, NFLPA TV traveled to
South Florida for Pro Bowl and Super Bowl,
New York City for the 2010 Debut, L.A. for
the Rookie Premiere, Washington D.C. for the
American Needle Supreme Court case ruling
and Chicago for a conference on concussions.

“The idea of NFLPA TV came from the need
to proactively communicate relevant, real-
time content to our players, while leveraging
a variety of telecommunications tools where
the players are actively engaged,” said Keith
Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS.
NFLPA TV is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week online, and players can watch from their
home, office or mobile phone. Watch your email
inbox for the next episode of NFLPA TV!

NFLPA TV will share updates from NFLPA

and NFL PLAYERS leadership, help players
and their families plan for key events, and For more information visit
bring highlights of important meetings to
help them get the most out of membership. www.nflpatv.com
Bringing authenticity to the program, former
and active players like Derrick Brooks, Brian
Mitchell, Nolan Harrison and Maurice

PAGE 24 SUMMER 2010

 COMMUNITY EVENTS
NFLPA HOSTS
CAROL CITY ELEMENTARY
Garden Celebration
by Mike Donnelly
MIAMI
On Jan. 28, more than a dozen active and former players came together
to celebrate a Miami elementary school’s commitment to healthy living.
The event, hosted by the NFL Players Association and several community
organizations, rewarded second-graders and staff who participated in
constructing a fruit and vegetable garden at Carol City Elementary.
“This school and its class of second graders built a garden that will help
them to appreciate nutritious foods and the value of hard work and
exercise,” said NFLPA President and Pro Bowl center Kevin Mawae.
“We have a lot of guys in the NFL from this area ... so we’re also here to
say, ‘Hey, we’re part of your community, we want to help out and you
guys are doing a great job.’”
Joining Mawae and his fellow NFL players in honoring the students
were NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, former Florida
Congresswoman Carrie Meek and eight players from the University of
Miami led by starting quarterback Jacory Harris.
“At first I think the kids were surprised to see a bunch of big NFL
players, but once they got to talk and interact with us they saw that
we’re regular people,” said San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ricky
Jean-Francois, who attended City Elementary School.
The other community partners which helped to organize the celebration
included 4-H, the Miami-Dade County School Board, the Education
Fund and many individuals who have volunteered to work in the garden.
“It’s definitely great to be back home in Miami and be here today for the
kids to reward the school for building a garden, and talk about doing
the right things,” said New York Giants wide receiver Sinorice Moss, a
former Hurricane and Carol City Senior High School player.
The celebration event lasted three hours, beginning with a spirited school
assembly held outside on the physical education court. When the players
were introduced, the students shouted with delight. Smith then presented
Carol City Elementary Principal Patricia Bloodworth-Johnson with a
$5,000 check on behalf of the NFLPA.
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The NFLPA presented the elementary school with a donation to
help it continue its healthy habits.
“Our children look up to the players and for them
to come out and to also present us with a check
to continue the work, says millions, it really does.
We’re in a budget crunch and we want to continue
what we are doing.”
– Patricia Bloodworth-Johnson, Principal
Carol City Elementary
After the assembly, the players led the second-graders through 5 activity
stations, teaching them about the importance of eating right and staying
fit. The stations included a healthy foods demonstration, garden tour
and sampling, food safety puppet show, farmer relay race and lessons in
growing seeds.
“At my activity station, we basically taught the kids how to eat healthy,
make simple meals that are healthy and showed them what food products
to look for when the’re in the grocery store with their parents,” Moss said.
The benefits of the garden have already made a lasting impression on
many of the students.
“I am really happy that we have a garden,” said second grader Eddie
Brown. “We are learning how important it is to eat fresh fruits and
vegetables every day.”
The NFLPA chose Carol City Elementary because of its commitment
to developing lifelong healthy habits. A Title-I school with 96 percent
of its students receiving free or reduced lunch, the school completed its
garden in September 2009 with the help from the Education Fund.
“We are happy to support the wonderful work of the students and staff at
Carol City Elementary School,” Smith said. “NFL players know the
importance of proper nutrition, and these students are following in their
footsteps by educating themselves about healthy foods and diets at such
young ages.”
PAGE 25 SUMMER 2010

TRAINING CAMP
FOR LIFE
Hits South Florida by Willis Whalen
MIAMI
An all-star cast of active and former NFL players converged onto the
campus of Kinloch Park Middle School, during the week of Super Bowl
XLIV to participate in Training Camp Life, a character and life skills
development program designed to provide resources to assist students in
dealing with a variety of challenges.
Running back Clinton Portis (Washington), safety Marquand Manuel
(Detroit) and former NFL players Robert Smith, Desmond Howard,
Raghib ‘Rocket’ Ismail and O.J. McDuffie were among the guest
speakers who addressed students throughout the two-day
ay program.
Nearly 900 students gathered in the newly-renovated auditorium at
Kinloch Park to listen to speakers discuss a variety of topics, most
notably the importance of education and different strategies to
overcome adversity.
Manuel, a native Floridian who attended Miami Senior High and the
University of Florida, offered a local perspective and discussed how he
was able to avoid making bad choices by focusing on his  education and
managing his time well.
“I had friends who wanted to go out and do this and that because the
temptation was there,” Manuel said. “But I chose to focus on football
and my grades, which paid off as I graduated from college in two years
and received my master’s degree in four.”
Smith reiterated the significance of academic success by talking about
how education and attending school got him through some rough times
as a kid.
“I’ve seen a lot of things and personally experienced some things that
were not pleasant,” Smith said. “Going to school provided a safe place
and allowed me to find things of interest including medicine, which is
where my studies were concentrated.”
In the heart of Hurricane country, the crowd was brought to a fever
pitch when former Miami Hurricane Portis took the stage. But before
PAGE 26 SUMMER 2010
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Portis delivered his own message about having a plan for life, he
took a moment to thank Smith for being an inspiration to him
and several others.
“Robert was one of the backs that I looked up to because he left
[the NFL] on his own terms to pursue other opportunities that he
studied for in school,” Portis said.
Ismail then took the stage to talk about the challenges he
faced as a student athlete. He also encouraged students to stay
focused on their goals, both academic and athletic.
“I had a wide receiver coach who I didn’t think liked me because he
was always riding me and challenging me, like you may have teachers
challenging you,” Ismail said. “But as I got older, I realized that he
wanted me to be successful and to get better, and the same can be said
about your teachers.”
The final portion of the day was a question and answer session featuring
Howard, McDuffie and Ismail.
“Everybody will make mistakes and bad choices,
but through education, hard work and reaching
out to teachers, parents or coaches when you need
their help, you can overcome these mistakes.”
– Desmond Howard
Training Camp for Life is supported by the NFLPA and Learn It Cares,
the non-profit affiliate of Learn It Systems, which provides customized
academic instructional programs in reading and math that are integrated
with each state’s assessment program. A follow-up event to the Training
Camp for Life program will take place at Kinloch Park Middle School
in March.
 COMMUNITY EVENTS
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SANTA FE, N.M.
Under a sizzling Santa Fe sun, nearly 1000 campers from across the
Nation came together to celebrate health and fitness at the annual
Native Vision Camp. For the 14th time, Johns Hopkins Center for
American Indian Health and the NFL Players Association fielded
its annual camp, this time at Santa Fe Indian School, to encourage
Native Youth to “Stride, Soar, Succeed” toward healthier lives.
Almost doubling in size, the camp [which was hosted by the local Kewa
Pueblo] attracted children from more than 25 tribes from Wisconsin
to California and Northern Montana to Southern New Mexico.
“Johns Hopkins is blessed by its partnership with the NFLPA. Their
staff and retired NFL players provide leadership on and off the field of
play for the children, community members, sponsors and volunteers
who have become the Native Vision family,” said co-founder Allison
Barlow, Associate Director, Johns Hopkins CAIH.
And volunteer they did. An astonishing 58 professional and collegiate
athlete-mentors donated their time and skills to the camp, coaching
football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, lacrosse clinics. Most of
the athlete mentors said they were as affected by the experience as the
campers, if not more.
“Native Vision was an eye opening experience for me. I could not
believe the number of kids in the Native American community that
don’t receive some of the basic necessities that most other kids their
ages have,” said Don Davis, former NFL player, coach and current
NFLPA Regional Director.
“Besides helping youths understand the importance
of a healthy lifestyle, Native Vision also provides youth
with valuable tools that help to build self - esteem as
well as a positive outlook on life in general. I believe
the life skills that are taught at Native Vision help
give the youth of the Native American communities
valuable resources that will help them the rest of
their lives.”
– Don Davis, former Player, Coach &
Current NFLPA Regional Director
In addition to sports clinics, the athlete-mentors and campers took part
in workshops in Leadership, Arts and Crafts, Music and Gardening.
Parents and local community members enjoyed workshops in Cooking
NATIVE
14TH ANNUAL
Vision Camp by Erin O’Boyle
and Parenting. The blended experience of workshops and sports clinics
is intended to promote children’s development physically, mentally,
emotionally and spiritually. The camp strives to strengthen youth’s
capacity to rise above the temptations of dangerous decisions, and
instead choose health, productivity and well-being.
The camp was possible through an overwhelming staff of volunteers,
local community members and generous sponsors. Nike, Bank of
America and Johan Cruyff International Sports Institute from Barcelona,
Spain were leading contributors to the success of Native Vision’s largest
camp to date. Some representatives from the sponsoring organizations
also pitched in as coaches and mentors. For example, Liz Kelsey, the
representative of Bank of America who coached track and found the
experience one she looks forward to all year long.
“I always leave camp feeling like I have gotten much more from the
experience than I’ve given,” Kelsey stated. “One of the things I try to
stress to my campers is that we are not just here for them three days
a year at camp. My fellow track coaches and I have made our email
available to them, encouraging all to email us if they have ‘stuff’ going
on they need to talk about or even if they just want to say hi!”
Beth Reisinger, Vice President of New York Business Management at
Bank of America, continues to promote the bank’s participation in
Native Vision.
“We chose to participate in Native Vision in order to invest sweat equity
in the community,” she said. “The culture of volunteerism which Bank
of America fosters enables associates, like myself, to give back both
financially and with our time.”
After three powerful days, 38,000 pounds of water, 8,000 pounds of
ice and 4,500 meals, more than 1,000 lives were changed both campers
and volunteers alike. And that is what Native Vision is about, beyond
promoting health, fitness and life skills it’s about giving these children a
real shot at childhood.
“Native Vision continues to evoke the superhuman,” Barlow had said.
“This June, nearly 1,000 Native American children from across North
America found their way to Santa Fe Indian School for the opportunity
to learn sports and life skills from five dozen superstars of athletics
and human services.”
PAGE 27 SUMMER 2010

PRO BOWL 2010
3 4
6 7
1 The AFC Pro Bowl team enjoys its last official
practice in South Florida.
2 Ray Lewis signs autographs for fans at Pro
Bowl at open practice January 30.
3 Vince Young jumps over AFC teammate
Mario Williams at the end of the last practice
during 2010 Pro Bowl week.
4 Chris Johnson puts a move on Ray Lewis
before the start of AFC Pro Bowl practice.
PAGE 28 SUMMER 2010
PRO BOWL & SUPER BOWL EVENTS
8
5 DeAngelo Williams tests out a camera from
the media at the final NFC Pro Bowl practice.
6 Denver
enver Broncos safety & NFLPA Executive
Committee member Brian Dawkins and a
student from Carol City Elementary School
celebrate healthy living at the NFLPA
Garden Celebration.
7 London Fletcher warms up with a student
reporter during the pre-game festivities at
the 2010 Pro Bowl.
5
8 NFC teammates Nick Collins and Antrel Rolle
talk strategy before kickoff of the 2010 Pro Bowl.
9 Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs is
interviewed at the NFLPA’s Super Bowl party,
Lounge XLIV.
10 New
ew Orleans Saints offensive line is presented
with the 1st Madden Most Valuable Protectors
A
Award Presented by Prilosec OTC at Super Bowl
Media
edia Day.
 PRO BOWL & SUPER BOWL EVENTS

11

10 12

13

14 15 16 17

18 19 20

Super BOWL 2010

11 Indianapolis Colts quarterback Payton Manning
responds at Super Bowl Media Day.
12 Super Bowl MVP and NFLPA Executive
Committee member Drew Brees fields questions
at Super Bowl Media Day.
13 CBS TV crew, including former players Bill
Cowher, Boomer Esiason, Dan Marino and Phil
Simms attend a press conference as the Super
Bowl commentating team.
Lounge XLIV
XLIV.
14 Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett talks to 18 Rookie
R quarterback Sam Bradford and NFLPA
reporters at Lounge XLIV. Executive Director DeMaurice Smith give
interviews on Super Bowl’s Radio Row.
15 Young
Y fan dresses up like Payton Manning at
NFL PL
PLAYERS Live! at Sprint Phone-A-Friend. 19 Seattle Seahawks safety Lawyer Milloy tests out
Wii game “Just Dance” at the player gifting suite
W
16 Washington
W cornerback DeAngelo Hall talks to at Lounge XLIV
XLIV.
a fan via a Sprint phone at NFL PLAYERS Live!
20 Players Leigh Bodden, Louis Delmas, Dewayne
17 Three-time All Pro running back Ricky Watters White, Cliff A
Avril and Anthony Henry attend
sports his Super Bowl XXIX Champion ring at Lounge XLIV
XLIV.

PAGE 29 SUMMER 2010

 NFL PLAYERS NEWS

NFL PLAYERS 2010

ROOKIE PREMIERE by Peter Yoon

Jimmy Clausen sat down to sign his first autograph at the NFL PLAYERS Rookie
Premiere Thursday and made what has to be called a rookie mistake.
SANTA MONICA, CALIF.
Clausen, a second-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in last “Eighty five? What? That’s all wrong,” said Ndamukong Suh, the
month’s draft, signed his name and then added the number 7, which he second overall pick by Detroit.
wore in college at Notre Dame. The trouble is he’s now No. 2. Luckily it
was a quick fix. Told his was the highest rating of any rookie, Suh then accepted
his number.
“I just put another line on the bottom and made it into a two that kind
of looks like a Z,” he said. “I’ll take that,” he said.

No worries, there would be plenty of chances to get it right.
Clausen and 34 other members of the 2010 NFL rookie class arrived
at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for the Rookie Premiere—a
weekend filled with autographs, photographs and interviews put on by
NFL PLAYERS, the licensing and marketing arm of the NFLPA.
The event, now in its 14th year, is designed to introduce the rookies to
NFL PLAYERS and the NFLPA and to give them exposure to some
of the NFL’s major sponsors and licensees, which in turn gives the
players exposure.
“That’s what this weekend is all about,” said Suh.

Trading card companies Panini, Topps and Upper Deck produce their
valuable rookie card sets during this weekend.

The players also sat down for interviews with CBSSports.com and
NFLPATV.com, a recently launched Web site that covers union issues.
They also had a chance to sample new products on display by Nike.
“They are here to provide you with things
“It’s been a real cool event so far,” said Colt McCoy, a third-round pick outside of football. The are basically there to
by the Cleveland Browns from Texas. “I had no idea what to expect help you any way they can outside of football.
coming here. I definitely did not think I’d be signing my name so
They help you plan for the future and they help
many times.”
you with dealing with things in the present. The
Video game giant EA SPORTS makes three-dimensional digital media and different activities and ventures.
photographs of each player to be used in the popular Madden NFL game They are someone I can lean on and it’s a give
and NFL Auction collects signatures on memorabilia to be auctioned and take relationship. The more you help them,
off for charities.
the more they help you. That’s the way I see it.”
The highlight for most was seeing themselves in the Madden NFL video – Ndamukong Suh
game. Although their faces are not yet incorporated into the game, they
are on the rosters of the teams that drafted them.  Some, however raised
an eyebrow at their player rating-aa number from 1-100 that determines
the skill level in the game.

PAGE 30 SUMMER 2010

 NFL PLAYERS NEWS

SPONSORSHIP Spotlight

Fuel Up to Play 60
Created in partnership with the NFL and the National Dairy Council
(NDC) with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
the Fuel Up to Play 60 program empowers youth to take actions to
improve nutrition and physical activity at their school and for their own
health. Earlier this year, the program joined Michelle Obama’s call to
improve the health of our next generation.
The in-school nutrition and fitness program shares the ambitious and
attainable goals outlined in the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” platform,
which aims to curb childhood obesity.
The program is already active in 60,000 schools across the country
and expects to be in 90,000, or 90% of all schools nationwide, by May
2011. All 32 NFL teams participate in the program, and all player
participation is scheduled and facilitated by NFL PLAYERS.
“Before I would eat whatever I wanted,” Castillo said. “Now I try and
watch and limit the junk food that I eat. I lost almost 20 pounds this
school year, and now I can play all day long.”
San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick applauded the efforts of
Pioneer Middle School in Tustin, Calif., which won California’s
statewide competition.
“Our players and teams know that eating a healthy diet and being active
every day is the key to staying fit, which is why we’re excited to serve as
role models to help inspire our young fans to make healthier choices,”
Hardwick said. “Now, Pioneer Middle School and all the other kids
who are working so hard are setting a great example too.”

May 21, Accel Castillo, an eighth grade student from Palm Springs
Middle School in Maitland, Fla., won the inaugural Fuel Up to Play To learn more about Fuel Up to Play 60 visit
60 competition. Castillo bested nearly 200,000 other students to win
a day with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess and other
FuelUptoPlay60.com.
football prizes.

Verizon
As the new official wireless service provider of the NFL, Verizon more. Exclusively for Verizon customers, fans are able to gain access to
announced the release of its NFL Mobile application at the 2010 information about their favorite teams, players and games.
NFL Draft. Verizon encouraged fans to watch live coverage of the
75th Draft with a series of USA Today ads featuring players such
as New York Jets tackle [and the fourth overall pick in the 2006 To learn more about the Verizon NFL Mobile
Draft], D’Brickashaw Ferguson. During Draft week alone,
application visit
Verizon activated with more than 20 players to promote its new
NFL application. The NFL Mobile application displays in-depth www.verizonwireless.com/nfl
player profiles, team updates, mock drafts, expert analysis and

PAGE 31 SUMMER 2010


GALA
NFL PLAYERS
Featuring the JB Awards
WASHINGTON
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was presented
with the 44th annual Byron “Whizzer” White Award, the
NFLPA’s highest honor at the NFL PLAYERS Gala Featuring
the JB Awards in Washington, D.C.
The “Whizzer” White Award is presented annually to the player who
serves his team, community and country in the spirit of Byron
Raymond “Whizzer” White. The late Supreme Court Justice was
a scholar, athlete, patriot, humanitarian and public servant – the
personification of the ideal to which professional football players aspire.
“I kind of feel undeserving of this after hearing all of the things these
men do because you play with them every Sunday, and you don’t know
about it,” said Asomugha following the announcement. “This is a huge
honor for me, so thank you. I wish I would’ve prepared a speech, but
really, I’ve always just wanted to help people. I’ve never had a motive
behind it and it wasn’t about winning awards or getting recognition.
It was just something that was in me ever since I was a little kid.”
The Gala, held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, was hosted by James
Brown, host of “THE NFL TODAY” on CBS. The NFL PLAYERS
Gala recognizes NFL players for their individual contributions to their
communities and is the biggest annual benefit for Special Olympics
D.C. It was the 7th consecutive year the NFLPA and NFL PLAYERS
partnered with Brown to put on the event. The winner of the 2009
Byron “Whizzer” White Award, Brian Dawkins (Denver Broncos),
presented Asomugha with the award.
“It was an honor to win the Whizzer award last year,” Dawkins said. “I
actually couldn’t make the event itself, but my wife did an excellent job
of accepting it on my behalf. I’m really glad that I was able to come to
the Gala this time and present the award to the next player.”
Since emerging into the league as one of the Oakland Raiders’ top
picks in 2003, Nnamdi Asomugha has become a key force in the
Raiders’ secondary defense. With 291 tackles and 11 pickoffs over
seven seasons, he is widely known as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks.
PAGE 32 SUMMER 2010
NFL PLAYERS NEWS
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by Jilane Rodgers
In 2006, Asomugha was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate and earned
the starting Pro Bowl role for his 2008 and 2009 performances, where
he was also named All-Pro by the Associated Press.
Beyond the passion he presents on the field, Asomugha has shown an
even greater passion for his community and homeland, Nigeria. As
chairman for his family’s charity, The Orphans and Widows In Need
(OWIN) Foundation, he and his family have provided shelter, food,
medicine and scholarships to orphans and widows in Nigeria. The
organization supports two community centers in Nigeria and plans to
expand to other countries in Africa this year.
His aid to children has not been limited to those abroad, as he has
also helped many children in the Bay Area. Asomugha has contributed
greatly to East Oakland Youth Development Center, committing
almost every Monday afternoon since 2004 to mentoring and tutoring
inner-city youth at the center. He has created the Asomugha College
Tour for Scholars (ACTS) program, which takes select Bay Area high
school students, who meet his GPA and leadership requirements, on an
all-expenses-paid college tour to different cities.
In 2009, Asomugha joined former president Bill Clinton, actor Matthew
McConaughey and Marie Tillman from the Pat Tillman Foundation
for the second Clinton Global Initiative University in Texas, where he
helped share the importance of global service and student activism.
Asomugha is a four-time team selection for the Byron “Whizzer” White
Award and was selected in the 2009 USA Football/NFLPA
“All-Fundamentals” Team.
James Brown awarded 11 of his
annual JB Awards to players.
 NFL PLAYERS NEWS

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JB Award recipients were nominated by their teammates
at the end of the season for their commitment to achieve
excellence off the field through building better communities
and stronger families. Out of the 32 players nominated [one
per team*], Brown personally selected Asomugha and six
other players to receive a JB Award: Matt Birk (Baltimore
Ravens), Danny Clark (New York Giants), Mike Furrey
(Cleveland Browns), Marlin Jackson (Indianapolis Colts),
Bradie James (Dallas Cowboys) and Madieu Williams
(Minnesota Vikings).
“It was a great honor to be recognized with a JB Award last
year, and it’s even more special to be here again,” Furrey said.
Two new awards were introduced to the NFL PLAYERS
Gala this year. The Union Leader Award honors devotion
to the NFLPA philosophy of ONE TEAM, as shown through
an act of courage. The Kenny Washington Award recognized
players who stand for a solution to modern social injustices,
a commitment to overcoming adversity and those who act as
an advocate to help others.
Doug Swift (Former Miami Dolphins) received the Union
Leader Award, while Bobby Mitchell (Hall of Fame)
and George Taliaferro were honored with the Kenny
Washington Award and Brig Owens (Former Washington
Redskins) accepted the latter on behalf of Doug Williams (Former
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins). NFLPA Executive
Director DeMaurice Smith presented the inaugural awards.

“It must mean that the work we’re doing in the
community is pretty consistent, and it speaks
volumes to all the people who have helped with my
foundation. This event in particular recognizes
the elite in the community, so it’s great to be here
with other guys who are making a big impact.”
– Mike Furrey
Dozens of additional active and former players were also in attendance
to show support for the good works of their teammates, past and present.
Earlier in the day, the NFL players - honorees joined Special Olympics
D.C. athletes for a football clinic at the Catholic University. The clinic
featured more than 85 local Special Olympics athletes participating
alongside NFL players in friendly, non-contact football stations. The
NFL PLAYERS Gala online and silent auctions helped raise additional
funds for SODC.

Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette, United Steelworkers’ President
Leo Gerard and Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Peter King made up
the Byron “Whizzer” White independent judging panel.
Brown also presented special JB Awards to recognize the personal
accomplishments of other standout players around the NFL. Honorees
who received individual JB Awards included Maurice Jones-Drew
(Jacksonville Jaguars) – for Empowering Youth; Percy Harvin
(Minnesota Vikings) – for Emerging Leader; and London Fletcher
(Washington Redskins) and Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) – for Special
Olympics D.C. Athletes’ Choice.
“It feels really good to be in D.C. with my peers at such a prestigious
event,” Asomugha said. “There’s a lot going on in D.C. in terms of
change, growth and impacting people so it is great to be a part of
something that ties into all of that.”
Since the awards banquet was founded in 1972, the event has allowed
the NFLPA to make donations to many worthy causes and Special
Olympics D.C. became the beneficiary of the Gala in 1993.
*Teams listed are those which nominated the honorees.

PAGE 33 SUMMER 2010

 FORMER PLAYERS NEWS

The Premiere League is just one

of countless opportunities made
available to former players through
NFL PLAYERS.

LEGENDS vs. Premiere League

CElebs
SANTA MONICA, CALIF.
Southern California football fans got an up-close look at NFL stars of
the past, present and future when the NFL PLAYERS Premiere League
Flag Football Tournament and Skills Challenge kicked off Sunday, May
23, at Santa Monica High School.
The inaugural game in the NFL PLAYERS Premiere League gave west
coast fans the unique opportunity to watch their favorite NFL Legends
and celebrities showdown and show off.
Flag Football
Tournament Skills
Challenge
by Jilane Rodgers
As an added bonus to spectators, the rookies were on hand to give fan
autographs, broadcast sideline commentary and provide coaching advice
to the legend and celebrity teams. St. Louis Ram Mardy Gilyard went
the extra yard, serving as special consultant to the black team in the
championship game. He engineered a Hail Mary play which earned the
scrappy squad a come-from-behind victory as time expired.

“The NFL PLAYERS Premiere League gives fans of all ages a chance to connect with their
favorite celebrities and ‘NFL Legends’ in a family friendly, interactive experience.”
“The idea behind this new entertainment property was to provide fans
all over the country with a year-round, high-quality, highly affordable
access point to our past, current and future NFL stars,” Gordon said.
“At the same time, it provides our former players the opportunity to
showcase their skills and engage with celebrities in a competitive and
entertaining event.”
NFL Legends competing included Andre Rison, Corey Dillon,
Curtis Conway
Conway, Jason Sehorn, Jeff Blake, Ken O’Brien, Raghib
Ismail, Ricky Watters, Rod Martin, Roger Craig, Steve Bono
and Willie McGinest, while Clay Matthews, Eric Dickerson,
Mike Haynes and T.J. Houshmandzadeh served as the official
coaches for the red, black, gray and white teams.
Celebrity participants
included Bill Bellamy,
Michael B. Jordan
–KKeith Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS
(Friday
Friday Night Lights
Lights),
Wood Harris (Remember
the Titans, The Wire), Geoff Stults (Happy Town), Arlen Escarpeta
(We Are Marshall ), Columbus Short (Death at a Funeral ), Sam Page
(Desperate Housewives, Mad Men) and others.
Quinton Aaron, who starred as Baltimore Raven Michael Oher in The
Blind Side, also made an appearance and mingled on the sidelines with
players, fans and other celebrities.
The competitions, produced by Entertainment League Productions,
featured four flag football teams—each made of three NFL Legends
and five celebrities—and three Skills Challenges which tested agility,
accuracy and coordination.

The events, free of charge and open to the public, concluded the
annual NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere weekend in Los Angeles.

PAGE 34 SUMMER 2010

 FORMER PLAYERS NEWS

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FORMER PLAYERS L.A. CHAPTER

Visits Local Middle School by Jilane Rodgers

LOS ANGELES
As part of the NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere, active and former
players conducted a healthy lifestyle and fitness program for
approximately 200 students at Johnnie Cochran Jr. Middle School
in Los Angeles on May 21.
The program consisted of an indoor assembly where the students were
introduced to the players and Washington Redskins linebacker Chris
Draft provided information on the importance of healthy living. Ms.
Dale Cochran, Johnnie Cochran Jr.’s widow, addressed students and
players alike before the assembly broke into small groups.
The teams the headed outside to rotate through six interactive
stations which included dancing and nutritional activities as well as
several football skills stations. AmeriCorps volunteers, NFLPA staff
and C.O.A.C.H. for Kids helped the rookies and former players
at each station.
In attendance from the NFLPA Former Players L.A. Chapter were
Jeremy Akers, Reggie Berry, Elston Ridgle, C.R. Roberts,
Mazio Royster, Ivory Sully and Steve H. Wright.
these kids. The fact of the matter is that if they stay humble and give
back, it will come back to them when they are finished playing.”
Participating rookies included Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen,
Jonathan Dwyer, Armanti Edwards, Toby Gerhart, Rob
Gronkowski, Mike Kafka, Brandon LaFell, Rolando McClain,
Dexter McCluster, Andre Roberts, Emmanuel Sanders, C.J.
Spiller, Ndamukong Suh, Ben Tate, Tim Tebow, Demaryius
Thomas and Damian Williams.
“We’ve been given such a huge platform and for us to come out here and
be able to just help these kids out this is what it’s all about,” Bradford
said. “I couldn’t imagine how excited I would be if I was in junior high
and a bunch of NFL guys came and wanted to play with me.”
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew was also on
site, covering the event for NFLPA TV.
In addition to receiving healthy living gift bags and information, the
students took home NFL trading cards, courtesy of Topps.

The NFLPA proudly supports initiatives in line with Michelle Obama

and the White House’s “Let’s Move!” initiative, which aims to combat
“This is an opportunity to get involved childhood obesity.
in the community.”
– Ivory Sully, Former Player

“Football is a short-lived game, any day can be your last,” Sully said. For information on how to get involved with your local
“The thing is to make sure you set the seeds in early, so they grow and NFLPA Former Player Chapter, contact Dee Becker
prosper, and these are seeds that the rookies are setting here today with dee.becker@nflplayers.com or call 202 - 756 - 9163

PAGE 35 SUMMER 2010

 FORMER PLAYERS NEWS

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MERRIL
HOGE
Where Are They Now?
by Ernie Palladino

Former Steelers running back Merril Hoge, who has a new book
coming out, has found a way to tackle adversity.
(AP Photo)

PAGE 36 SUMMER 2010

 FORMER PLAYERS NEWS
Sixteen years after Merril Hoge took his last handoff in
the NFL, it is no different than when that same 12-year-
old boy in Idaho wrote “Find a way” above his goal of
playing professional football on a bedroom corkboard.
Hoge is still finding ways around adversity, not only for himself, but
for others in their daily lives. A former starting running back for the
Pittsburgh Steelers for six seasons of his concussion-shortened, eight-
year career, he has written a book called “Find a Way.” It chronicles
his experiences in and out of football and charts a mental course for
overcoming life’s obstacles.
Hoge, only one of two Steelers [Franco Harris is the other] to rush
for 100 yards in consecutive playoff games, cautioned that readers won’t
find a how-to book when it hits the bookstores Sept. 15. Instead, it will
be a blueprint for positive attitude and the power of directed thinking.
“You’ve got two paths to take with your energy and focus. You can take it down the,
‘Look what’s happening, oh my gosh,’ road, the unknown and all the bad things. Or,
you can channel your energies to the things you want to have happen.”
“We all have the ability to channel it. But it’s so easy to quit, because
once you quit, it’s over. It’s done. It isn’t difficult.”
Hoge registered his final carry for the Chicago Bears in 1994. In
February 2003, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
And currently, he can frequently be seen and heard on television
while serving as an NFL analyst for ESPN.
Through it all, he has followed his own advice. Even now, as he tries to
sell his book in a tough economy, he remains positive.
“By Sept. 15, I want to have a pre-sale of 10,000 copies,” Hoge said.
“It’s going to be a grind. Let’s say I’ve sold 1,000 copies. I’m still
9,000 away, and you say, ‘Wow, that’s a long way. That may be too
hard. You may not get there.’”
“Even for someone who’s practiced this as much as I have, I have to
stay away from the negativity to get it done. But there [are] all kinds
of ways and sources to get it done, so don’t surrender. Don’t you dare
go down that path.”
It hasn’t always been easy for Hoge to keep the white flag tucked
away. It took his daughter, Kori, to set him straight with a hug once,
whispering, “Dad, you’ll just have to find a way,” when doctors
diagnosed the cancer he would eventually battle into remission
that year.
“I’m telling you, I’m thinking I don’t know how many months I’ve
got left,” Hoge recalled. “I don’t have the words to describe how dark
my pain was and how empty I was, and how hopeless I was.” A few
choice words from his daughter changed Hoge’s mindset completely.
He said, “The second she says that to me, I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh. I’m
thinking about dying, the chemo. Let me focus on what I want to
have happen. I want to live.’ And that’s where I focused my energies:
on destroying the cancer. After that, most people thought I’d just
(AP Photo)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
– Merril Hoge
shaved my head. You would’nt have known I’d gone to chemotherapy.”
The former standout running back has taken the same can-do attitude
with the concussion issue, a hot-button topic in football. In 2009,
he testified at a Congressional hearing on brain injuries. In January
2010, he was appointed to an NFL research and advisory committee
on head trauma.
It has taken on paramount importance for Hoge, who held the active
mark for consecutive games played until concussions limited him to
five appearances in his final NFL season, the one he spent with the
Bears. Instead of being bitter about how his own career ended, he has
dedicated his advocacy of better headgear and rules changes toward the
nation’s youth.
“I can make it better, in the broad scope, for young people to play
safer,” said Hoge, the Steelers’ record-holder for receptions by a running
back. “Maybe we get more kids to play. Our biggest problem with
youth in America is obesity. The last thing we need to do is tell them
to stay home and play video games. If we can make it [safer] and more
appealing, we can get more youth to come out and [play football].”
Hoge also has spent considerable time appearing at functions and
advising rookies such as this year’s Number 2 overall draft pick,
Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks wide
receiver Golden Tate on the value of surrounding themselves with
trustworthy finance managers.
For Hoge, it’s all about finding a way.
“It’s all about the energy forces we all possess mentally and spiritually,”
Hoge said. “Where do we channel them? What direction do we send
them? I think people will identify with that.”
PAGE 37 SUMMER 2010
 FORMER PLAYERS NEWS

FORMER PLAYER FOCUS

NOLAN HARRISON, III

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Nolan Harrison, III is a former defensive lineman for the
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Redskins. Now, a Chicago resident, he is currently the
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vice President of the Trust and Investment Management
Division at First Midwest Bank. Harrison also serves as
a host for NFLPA TV, a new online programming for the
Players, created and delivered by the Players. Check out
the story on page 24 and visit NFLPATV.com for
more information.

July 11 and 12, Harrison traveled to Truckee, Calif. for

the Second Annual Gene Upshaw Memorial Golf Classic:

It was an outstanding event held in conjunction with the Tahoe Forest

health system and Gene Upshaw’s widow Terry Upshaw, with the NFLPA
as a sponsor. For the second year, it was an outstanding time spent getting
reconnected with some old teammates and Hall of Fame legends. Old
brought back great memories of my young years with the Los Angeles
Raiders: being in the locker room talking smack about each other’s golf
games or lack thereof in my case (at least I’m better than I used to be).

It’s amazing when you get back together with the guys you spent time
between the white lines with. It all seems so very comfortable and so
very easy, like a family reunion. One of the most gratifying things is to
watch these great men be great family men. Seeing Chester McGlockton
throw his kids around in the pool was such a great sight, and it is a huge
departure from our young years as roommates in Raiders training camp.

Willie Gault looked phenomenal - and I swear is still the world’s

fastest man at his age - is the CEO of his own medical devices company.
Ronnie Lott owns his own private equity firm, serving as a role model
to those of us who made the move from the football field to the financial
services industry. Tim Brown and Marcus Allen are sports media gurus.

Life goes on, men grow up, but these relationships never die.

For the full story visit

www.nflplayers.com

Hometown: Chicgao Graduate School: Arizona State

University, W.P. Carey School
Position: Defensive Lineman
of Business
College: Indiana University
Twitter: @NolanHarrison74
Other: Serves on the NFLPA
Former Players Board of Directors

PAGE 38 SUMMER 2010

 COACHES NEWS

(AP Photo)
Eric Metz, an agent at Lock, Metz and Malinovic, stated that owners
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
are still discouraging coaches from sharing salary information.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “Owners are colluding to keep salaries down as evidenced by high
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ranking front office employees consistently saying ‘please tell nobody
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ where you received this information’ when assisting in negotiation of
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ coaching contracts.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Metz added that if these contracts were being negotiated fairly, then all
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ salary information would be readily available. Paul Sheehy, President
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ and General Counsel at ProStar Sports Agency/ProStar Coaching,
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ believes that owners fear that coaches sharing salary information will
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ result in increased salary, bonuses and benefits for coaches of the NFL.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Every single coach, without exception, will benefit from a full, complete
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ and honest exchange of this information,” Sheehy said. “It’s as simple as
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ that, and I cannot stress that enough.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For example, if a coach is in charge of the number one-ranked special
teams unit in the NFL for three straight seasons, and his contract is up,
Sheehy believes there is no reason why that coach should not be the top
paid special teams coach. The only way to determine this is by knowing
COACHES USE all 31 other special teams’ coaches’ salaries; it cannot be determined

SALARY SURVEY
based on averages or a few reported contracts.

In the last few years, salaries of coaches have dropped overall, perhaps

to Negotiate Contracts
due to the lack of available numbers when renegotiating contracts.

by Robyn Harrison

“The greater good will be served and all coaches

Larry Kennan, the Staff Director of the NFL Coaches
Association [NFLCA], served as an assistant coach in
the NFL for 16 years. Today, he represents those doing
the same type of work he once did and seeks to make
sure their needs and issues aren’t disregarded during
the complex dealings with the league.
will see dramatic increases in income if they work
together to provide detailed contract information
and refuse to sign confidentiality agreements when
leverage allows.”
– Eric Metz

Since being elected to his position, Kennan has played a significant role
in the NFLCA’s many accomplishments, including portability of health
care, health insurance for retired coaches prior to age 65, a lowered
retirement age and continuing an open dialogue with the league. One
particular movement, sharing salary information, remains an important
issue today.
In the early 1990s, player salaries were published for the first time, and
Gene Upshaw and Richard Berthelsen of the NFLPA encouraged the
NFLCA to collect the same information. Kennan recalls that coaches
felt they were getting paid well, so he challenged them to answer, “In
comparison to what?” In previous years, owners had discouraged coaches
from even discussing their salaries with their peers. Kennan believes the
reason for this was simply because coaches could compare their salaries
to what other coaches were making.
“We are empowering ourselves to know what the going rate is because
the owners aren’t going to be forthcoming with what everyone else is
making,” Kennan said. The NFLCA began receiving salary information
directly from coaches in 1999.
Metz also added that confidence in coaching abilities and the use of
the rapidly increasing college coaching salaries as a leverage against
thecurrent system will assist coaches in reaching the highest level of
the profession.
According to Kennan, many coaches have recently received raises after
discovering they were not being paid market value. “The more coaches
who complete the salary survey, the more influential it can be in helping
to ensure that all NFL coaches are receiving a salary comparable to that
of their counterparts throughout the league,” he said. “This has been
one of the best changes for coaches, because it means more money now,
which gives us more money in our pensions.”
Coaches who would like to report their 2010 salaries can do so by
contacting Larry Kennan at 202-756-9123. Position, years of experience
and salary information are posted anonymously on the NFLCA website
[
[www.nflcoaches.com ] and are available to members after logging in.

PAGE 39 SUMMER 2010

 LOCKER ROOM ROUNDUP

LOCKER ROOM
ROUNDUP
What’s the Best Career Advice
You’ve Ever Received?

++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Set short and long term goals.” “It’s all about who you know; make sure
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
– Shaun ++++++++++++++++++++++++
O’Hara, you treat everyone with respect.”
New York++++++++++++++++++++++++
Giants
++++++++++++++++++++++++ – DeShea Townsend,
Townsend
++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pittsburgh Steelers
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Work every day like you are ++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
fighting for your career.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++
“From Leslie O’Neal: Make a list of the
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Seattle Seahawks
, different aspects of your game. Pick
++++++++++++++++++++++++
– T.J. Houshmandzadeh
++++++++++++++++++++++++
out the one thing every practice to
++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
work on and accentuate. Over time, the
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
compartmentalized approach will make
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“The harder you work,
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
you better.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
the luckier you are.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ – Kevin Carter, Former All-Pro Defensive End
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
– Mark Bruener,
Bruener, Former Tight End &
& NFLPA Executive Committee Member
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NFLPA Executive Committee Member
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Don’t let someone else’s opinion
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“You don’t have to catch every ball.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ become your reality.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Just catch every ball that comes to you!”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ – Takeo Spikes,
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
– Muhsin Muhammad, San Francisco 49ers
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Former All-Pro Wide Receiver
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Work at a level your competition is
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++ either unwilling or unable to match.”
“When I was going into college, Coach
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nick Saban told me to make a++++++++++++++++++++++++
40-year
++++++++++++++++++++++++ – Adam Goldberg,
decision, not a four-year decision when
++++++++++++++++++++++++ St. Louis Rams
++++++++++++++++++++++++
deciding what school I wanted++++++++++++++++++++++++
to go to.
Because of my continued success, ++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’ve
++++++++++++++++++++++++ “Be humble.”
carried this ‘thinking long term’ mentality
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++ – Chris Hovan,
in all the decisions I make.” ++++++++++++++++++++++++ St. Louis Rams
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
– Michael Clayton,
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++

PAGE 40 SUMMER 2010

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