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

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
NFL players will wear a uniform patch this season to honor deceased NFL Players Association leader Gene Upshaw who passed away on August 20 at the age of 63. The league announced today that the patch (which will be worn on the left chest of each jersey) will have the initials GU and the number 63, which Gene wore while playing for the Oakland Raiders. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released the following statement:
“Gene was a truly unique, one-of-a-kind contributor to the NFL. No one in our game has ever combined Gene’s level of achievement both …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
NFLPA (National Football League Players Association) executive director Gene Upshaw died last night at his home in Lake Tahoe, CA. Gene had pancreatic cancer, but the news comes as a shock because he was diagnosed only this past Sunday. The NFLPA Web site issued the following statement today:
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of our leader, Gene Upshaw. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Terri, and their three sons – Eugene, Justin and Daniel. Gene learned he was sick just this past Sunday and he died …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

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, at a meeting on July 24 with 11 prominent retired NFL players, announced a new $7 million fund for retired players to help pay for joint replacement surgeries and other medical assistance. The two also announced a commitment to new procedures to speed up disability awards to retired players. The announcement came as part of a new four-point initiative by the NFLPA/NFL aimed at addressing the concerns and needs of NFL retired players. The four-point program includes the following:

Retired Players Medical and Assistance …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The National Football League Players Association’s (NFLPA) mission statement goes something like this:
“We, The National Football League Players Association … Pay homage to our predecessors for their courage, sacrifice, and vision; … Pledge to preserve and enhance the democratic involvement of our members; … Confirm our willingness to do whatever is necessary for the betterment of our membership – To preserve our gains and achieve those goals not yet attained.”
So why are some former NFL players complaining about their retirement plans? They claim the pension plan of the league and the union is …read more

The NFL Player Advisory Council I eluded to a few days ago is now official. A press release from the league office today confirmed that six members were selected by the National Football League Players Association — safety Donovin Darius of the Jacksonville Jaguars, fullback Tony Richardson of the Minnesota Vikings, center Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts, linebacker Takeo Spikes of the Philadelphia Eagles, wide receiver James Thrash of the Washington Redskins, and free-agent safety Troy Vincent, who is also president of the NFL Players Association. The Player Advisory Council will meet regularly throughout the year with Commissioner Goodell …read more