The Huddle - 2010 Summer Issue (NFLPA)

Featuring the JB Awards

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

NFL PLAYERS Gala Feat. the JB Awards p.32

AMERICAN NEEDLE

WASHINGTON

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 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 above the law. Specifically, in a 9-0 decision, the Court held that NFL teams do not possess the “complete unity of interest” necessary for an exemption. Instead, each team is a separately-owned business entity competing vigorously against the others, both on and off the field.

Although the case arose from an apparel license, the case and the decision have a broad impact on the business of the NFL as 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

NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

TAKES ACTION

Over League’s Guaranteed TV Deal

by David Elfin

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 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.

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.

by NFLPA Communications Staff

“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 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.

“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.

– 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.

NFLPA’S ANNUAL

SUPER BOWL Press Conference

by David Elfin

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, 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 service platform. Throughout the

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 t he 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

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.

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 players won’t stay united 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

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

NFLPA MACKEY / WH ITE TBI COMMITTEE ISSUE OF

PLAYER concussions

by Khalil Garriott

Steering the Progress

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, 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 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.

The concern received much greater attention last season, when such big - n ame 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 secondnature 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.”

Morey, a locker - room leader as co - a lternate 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 - e ducated 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.”

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.

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 [not fully disclosing their symptoms because of a desire to help their team win] that figure likely is higher.

“It was growing in a sense that we needed a clearer - c ut mandate independent of the league,” said Mayer, a clinical professor of emergency medicine at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

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

prevention and understanding of concussions in the NFL.

“There is been a resistance on behalf of the NFL to embrace a number of medical studies over the last few years,” Smith said. “It is the primary reason we formed our own traumatic brain injury committee. We don’t have to rely on the people who employ our players to do everything.”

By raising awareness and prompting discussions about the significance of head injuries, players and their union have elevated the issue to a high level.

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

(AP Photo)

at the Safety Welfare Summit CENTER stage

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 NFL doctors and our staff,” said Sean 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 s afety 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 - K ord. 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 / m edical 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.

D

E MECO RYANS

Speaks Out

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 and relaying that message to rookies.

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.

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 that the season is long enough. You get a lot of work in training camp and the preseason games, so I think that the season now is perfect. I don’t see the benefit of adding extra games. Extra games are going to leave guys out there to be more prone to getting injured.

It is very important for all players to get involved in the community. You need to make sure that people see you without your helmet. 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.

I do a lot of football camps in Houston, along with Alabama, where I also do a cheerleading camp. I’ll also read at schools and am always talking to kids any chance I get, telling them to do well in school and keep up their grades.

[After Pro Bowl], it is open so I can do my camps, take it easy and rest up for the offseason. I’m trying to do a little golfing and trying to get better at it. It’s always fun and relaxing to play golf.

“Coming in, you kind of think that this is just about football; but you need to become a true professional.”

Ryans attended the NFLPA Player Reps orientation in January.

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

by Glendalyn Junio

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.

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.

WAILEA / MAUI, HAWAII

“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

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” contributions and concerns

those guys here to meeting with them our meetings work through when retired thought about, money, we give back to the

will include the Directors president and As part of the 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

DeMaurice Smith spoke to the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl huddles at the end of practice.

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.

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.

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 - f aith 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.

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 ,

“Active players need to be prepared for a worstcase scenario, which is a lockout,” Mawae said. “We’re gonna get locked out and I know the wives are extremely upset and worried about the health benefits. You look around and you see the young kids, the pregnant moms and things like that, those are issues the players are going to have to deal with. Right now, 100 percent of prenatal care is paid for. After the 2010 season, they [the owners] don’t have to pay for any of that.

“I’m a vested veteran with five years of postplay insurance. I could lose that because of the work stoppage,” he continued. “And I could lose the benefits for continuing my education. Those are things I fought for and I worked for and I put it on the line for management to make billions.”

Houston schoolteacher Tamika Holdman said 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

“Fans need to know that it is not about millionaires and billionaires. It’s about the fundamental right to do the job that you love to do in a corporation that is not losing money in the most difficult economic time in our country, and our bosses are telling us to please take a pay cut because they are not making enough money even though they have lost nothing.”

Domonique Foxworth, Tony Richardson, Jeff Saturday and Mike Vrabel

“You still have to fight.”

Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith addresses the joint session.

– Kevin Mawae

– Kevin Mawae

NFLPA AARP

Partnership by David Elfin

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.”

AARP’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.

– Barbara Quaintance, Senior Vice President AARP Volunteer & Civic Engagement Office

Through a shared platform at createthegood. com, former players can post their community service announcements and projects to AARP’s 40 million members, a much larger audience than the group who used to wear cleats and helmets for a living.

The first such event that benefited from the partnership was headed by R oss Browner, the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end and President of the NFLPA Former Players Nashville chapter. Browner and Company renovated two houses for needy senior citizens in Nashville on April 17.

According to the AARP’s website, “The three NFLPA participants Ross Browner [former Buffalo Bills linebacker], Jimmy Robinson 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 Jersey chapter, was one of the 8,000 volunteers who stood on

a busy corner in Manhattan to raise awareness of dangerous intersections and to promote “Complete Streets” that considers the needs of aging pedestrians.

These projects are just the start of what is expected to be a growing partnership between the NFLPA and AARP. Every current NFL player will be a former player one day and at age 50 will be eligible to join AARP.

“We care about our former players,” said Teri Patterson, Smith’s special counsel. “That’s the big reason for our partnership with AARP. Our former players’ biggest concern is health care and we realized that AARP was doing a lot of things right on that issue. We want to emulate a lot of things they do.”

“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.”

COLLEGE PLAYERS association

With Ramogi Huma

by David Elfin

As a sophomore linebacker at UCLA in 1996. R amogi 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.

UNCAPPED YEAR Slashes Player Movement

by David Elfin

When the NFL owners opted out of the 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 freespenders 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 - a nd fifth - year 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 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 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.

“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.

“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?”

The NCPA has had some success in affecting change. Schools can now choose to cover the players with insurance during “voluntary” workouts. The dreaded two-a-days can no longer be held on consecutive days. Student that are athletes can accept leadership-type 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.

“We have legislation pending in California, and we are hopeful that a student-athletes bill Huma said. “If college athletes learn how to use their influence now, it will make it easier

– Ramogi Huma

for them to have a good understanding of the issues when they reach the NFL.”

“The NCPA is a great thing,” said Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward . “It is something I really support.”

Membership in the NCPA is free. NFLPA members can sign up or make a donation at

www.ncpanow.org

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

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 Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers.

All are expected to eventually re-sign, many for much less than they would have received in the marketplace. And if they settle for the one-year tender, they won’t have the security of a long-term contract.

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.

Another 45 players re-signed with their original clubs, but at least they had the opportunity to explore the market. The Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall , the Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Stacey Andrews and the New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma who led the way among the ones that re-upped, averaging $7.37 million a year.

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 passrushing 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.’ ”

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.”

2010 Conference by Chris Perkins

– Luther Ellis

(AP Photo)

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

Gather for

NEW PLAYER Orientation

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.”

by Khalil Garriott

First-time player reps attend meetings at the NFLPA headquarters in Washington.

NFL PLAYERS

Visit Capitol Hill

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 Subcommittee 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

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

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.”

Players gather on the steps of Capitol Hill before visiting members of Congress.

NFLPA’S OFFICIAL

WEB SITE

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.

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.”

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 - f riendly.

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 - s top 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

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

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.

“We are confident that our new Web site has a greatly improved overall look and feel.”

George Atallah, NFLPA Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs

NFL DADS

DEDICATED DAUGHTERS TO

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.

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

“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 moving personal accounts on responsible fatherhood and how others can play a role in stopping domestic violence.

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 sessions for players two years ago and his program was well received by players all over the league. The heartfelt discussions and personal stories shared before and after the program were so powerful, that he wanted to memorialize them in a way that could reach men all over the 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.

Leslie Satchell, Manager of Player Development for the NFLPA and editor of the book called the project a huge undertaking for the

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.”

Top: Takeo Spikes and his daughter meet with fans in San Francisco

Right: Brian Dawkins signs books for Broncos fans in Denver.

NFLPA

TV

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.

“The idea of NFLPA TV came from the need to proactively communicate relevant, realtime 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 will share updates from NFLPA and NFL PLAYERS leadership, help players and their families plan for key events, and bring highlights of important meetings to help them get the most out of membership. Bringing authenticity to the program, former and active players like Derrick Brooks, Brian Mitchell , Nolan Harrison and Maurice

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.

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 is TV programming for the Players that is created and delivered by the Players.”

– Keith Gordon, President NFL PLAYERS

Garden Celebration CAROL CITY ELEMENTARY

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.

“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.”

NFLPA HOSTS

The NFLPA presented the elementary school with a donation to help it continue its healthy habits.

FOR LIFE TRAINING CAMP

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 - d ay program.

Nearly 900 students gathered in the newly - r enovated 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

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.

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.

“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

Hits South Florida by Willis Whalen

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 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 B ank 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.”

PRO BOWL 2010

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.

5 DeAngelo Williams tests out a camera from the media at the final NFC Pro Bowl practice.

6 Denver 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.

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 Orleans Saints offensive line is presented with the 1st Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award Presented by Prilosec OTC at Super Bowl Media Day.

Super BOWL 2010

Lounge

18

19

20

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 C BS TV crew, including former players Bill Cowher, Boomer Esiason, Dan Marino and Phil Simms attend a press conference as the Super Bowl commentating team.

14 Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett talks to reporters at Lounge XLIV.

15 Young fan dresses up like Payton Manning at NFL PLAYERS Live! at Sprint Phone-A-Friend.

16 Washington cornerback DeAngelo Hall talks to a fan via a Sprint phone at NFL PLAYERS Live!

17 Three-time All Pro running back Ricky Watters sports his Super Bowl XXIX Champion ring at

XLIV

Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith give interviews on Super Bowl’s Radio Row.

Seattle Seahawks safety Lawyer Milloy tests out Wii game “Just Dance” at the player gifting suite at Lounge XLIV

Players Leigh Bodden, Louis Delmas, Dewayne White, Cliff Avril and Anthony Henry attend Lounge XLIV.

NFL PLAYERS 2010

ROOKIE PREMIERE

by Peter Yoon

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.

Clausen, a second-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in last month’s draft, signed his name and then added the number 7, which he wore in college at Notre Dame. The trouble is he’s now No. 2. Luckily it was a quick fix.

“I just put another line on the bottom and made it into a two that kind of looks like a Z,” 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.

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.

“It’s been a real cool event so far,” said Colt McCoy, a third-round pick by the Cleveland Browns from Texas. “I had no idea what to expect coming here. I definitely did not think I’d be signing my name so many times.”

Video game giant EA SPORTS makes three-dimensional digital photographs of each player to be used in the popular Madden NFL game and NFL Auction collects signatures on memorabilia to be auctioned off for charities.

The highlight for most was seeing themselves in the Madden NFL video 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 - a number from 1-100 that determines the skill level in the game.

“Eighty five? What? That’s all wrong,” said Ndamukong Suh, the second overall pick by Detroit.

Told his was the highest rating of any rookie, Suh then accepted his number.

take that,” he said.

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.

“They are here to provide you with things outside of football. The are basically there to help you any way they can outside of football. They help you plan for the future and they help you with dealing with things in the present. The media and different activities and ventures. They are someone I can lean on and it’s a give and take relationship. The more you help them, the more they help you. That’s the way I see it.”

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.

– Ndamukong Suh

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.

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

Verizon

As the new official wireless service provider of the NFL, Verizon announced the release of its NFL Mobile application at the 2010 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 Draft], D’Brickashaw Ferguson . During Draft week alone, Verizon activated with more than 20 players to promote its new NFL application. The NFL Mobile application displays in-depth player profiles, team updates, mock drafts, expert analysis and

“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.”

To learn more about Fuel Up to Play 60 visit FuelUptoPlay60.com.

more. Exclusively for Verizon customers, fans are able to gain access to information about their favorite teams, players and games.

To learn more about the Verizon NFL Mobile application visit www.verizonwireless.com/nfl

NFL PLAYERS Featuring the JB Awards

WASHINGTON

by Jilane Rodgers

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.

I n 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”

James Brown awarded 11 of his annual JB Awards to players.

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.

“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

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.

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.

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.

“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.

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.

LEGENDS CElebs vs. Premiere League Flag Football Tournament Skills Challenge

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.

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, 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.

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

Celebrity participants included Bill Bellamy, Michael B. Jordan (Friday Night 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.

– Keith Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS

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 e ach made of three NFL Legends and five celebrities a nd three Skills Challenges which tested agility, accuracy and coordination.

The Premiere League is just one of countless opportunities made available to former players through NFL PLAYERS.

FORMER PLAYERS L.A. CHAPTER

Visits Local Middle School

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.

by Jilane Rodgers

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 childhood obesity.

“Football is a short-lived game, any day can be your last,” Sully said. “The thing is to make sure you set the seeds in early, so they grow and prosper, and these are seeds that the rookies are setting here today with

For information on how to get involved with your local NFLPA Former Player Chapter, contact Dee Becker dee.becker@nflplayers.com or call 202 - 756 - 9163

“This is an opportunity to get involved in the community.”

– Ivory Sully, Former Player

Sixteen years after Merril Hoge took his last handoff in the NFL, it is no different than when that same 12-yearold 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, eightyear 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.

– Merril Hoge

“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

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.”

“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.”

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

Position: Defensive Lineman

College: Indiana University

Other: Serves on the NFLPA

Former Players Board of Directors

Graduate School: Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business

Twitter: @NolanHarrison74

COACHES USE

SALARY SURVEY

to Negotiate Contracts

by Robyn Harrison

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.

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.

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 all 31 other special teams’ coaches’ salaries; it cannot be determined based on averages or a few reported contracts.

In the last few years, salaries of coaches have dropped overall, perhaps due to the lack of available numbers when renegotiating contracts.

“The greater good will be served and all coaches 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

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.

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

“It’s all about who you know; make sure

you treat everyone with respect.”

–

“Work every day like you are

fighting for your career.”

“The harder you work,

the luckier you are.”

“You don’t have to catch every ball.

Just catch every ball that comes to you!”

“From Leslie O’Neal: Make a list of the different aspects of your game. Pick out the one thing every practice to work on and accentuate. Over time, the compartmentalized approach will make you better.”

“Don’t let someone else’s opinion

“When I was going into college, Coach Nick Saban told me to make a 40-year decision, not a four-year decision when deciding what school I wanted to go to. Because of my continued success, I’ve carried this ‘thinking long term’ mentality in all the decisions I make.”

“Work at a level your competition is

become your reality.” either unwilling or unable to match.”

“Be humble.”

Shaun O’Hara, New York Giants

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle Seahawks

– DeShea Townsend, Pittsburgh Steelers

– Kevin Carter, Former All-Pro Defensive End & NFLPA Executive Committee Member

– Mark Bruener, Former Tight End & NFLPA Executive Committee Member

– Takeo Spikes, San Francisco 49ers

– Muhsin Muhammad, Former All-Pro Wide Receiver

– Adam Goldberg, St. Louis Rams

– Michael Clayton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

– Chris Hovan, St. Louis Rams