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

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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

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
We’re only ten days into the 2008 free agency signing period so I hesitate to hand out awards, but I’m on a “Best of…” assignment and there are several teams (namely Minnesota, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Buffalo) who have already strongly upgraded their rosters. The N.Y. Jets, however, have been the best of the bunch.
The Jets seemed determined to get things moving in the right direction by going on a shopping spree. They’ve already spent over $120 million with the additions of OL Alan Faneca (Steelers); FB Tony Richardson (Vikings); DT Kris Jenkins …read more

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Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
With free agency just hours away, I still can’t believe the New England Patriots don’t have a deal in place for wide receiver Randy Moss. His record-setting 2007 more than earned him the right to have been signed to a long-term deal by the Pats. He kept his nose clean and was a leader and good teammate. He’s Tom Brady’s favorite target. What more needs to be said? I feel like as soon as I publish this, news will break of his signing … with the Patriots. Still, New England has a …read more

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Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The Dallas Cowboys placed a league-high 12 players on the NFC All-Star team. Among the players selected to the NFC squad was Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, who died last month. Sean received the most votes at his position and was chosen as the starting free safety for the NFC team. A replacement will be announced at a later date. Eleven NFC players will participate in their first Pro Bowl, including Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson, who leads the NFC in rushing yards with 1,278.

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