National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) announced today that attorney DeMaurice Smith has been named the new National Football League Players Association Executive Director. NFLPA Player Representatives, acting on behalf of the 32 NFL teams, selected Mr. Smith to succeed the late Gene Upshaw, who died in August. Mr. Smith becomes only the third Executive Director in NFLPA history and will serve a three-year term. He made the following statement regarding his new assignment:
“I’m humbled by their decision. I’m honored and proud to lead a great group of men. I think we understand the …read more

Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
At 37-years-old, Denver Broncos safety John Lynch is returning for his 16th NFL season. And he’s confident he will once again secure a starting spot in Denver’s defensive secondary:
“My mind-set is I’m going to be first string. That’s the only way I can look at things. I’ve always been of the mentality that you don’t think negative thoughts. There’s competition. All I wanted was an assurance that I’d be given every opportunity to earn a job as an every-down player. Whether that happens or not, I don’t know. They brought in a …read more

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover has started a campaign to oust NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw. Apparently, Matt emailed a plan of action to fellow player reps to have a new union boss in-place by 2009. In his email, a copy of which was somehow obtained by ESPN, Matt said, in-part:
“I feel that the board must begin to prepare for a change in leadership immediately. I believe we have the proper environment with our teammates and leadership within the board to execute the process of this selection.”
As far as I know, only Denver …read more

Getty Images
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae was elected president of the NFL Players Association today. As a 14-year veteran and someone who has been on the union’s executive committee for the past six years, Kevin’s a great choice. He’ll replace Troy Vincent, whose term recently ended and who last played for the Buffalo Bills before retiring. Kevin called his election by the player representatives an honor with serious issues looming, referring to the the collective bargaining agreement:
“The players are well informed of the potential cancellation of the CBA by the owners. They are …read more