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Winter 2009 Players Meet with Members of Congress

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Concerns Raised for Players’ Safety


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NFLPA Introduces Financial Learning Center


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What’s Happening in South Florida

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Strengthen Retired Players Relationships
 B;JJ;H
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E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR :

DeMaurice F. Smith
Dear Team,
EDITOR-IN- CHIEF:
The regional directors and I have met with players from all 32 teams Carl Francis
to discuss the state of our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Throughout these visits, the players expressed their thoughts and their
MANAGING EDITOR :
concerns, but above all, they continue to pledge their commitment to the
Joanna Comfort
ONE TEAM mission of the NFLPA.

DESIGN DIRECTOR :
During our team meetings, players held team elections where a record 42
Veronica Jenkins
new Player Representatives were selected. This striking decision to lead
made by so many players strengthens our union like never before during
CONTRIBUTORS :
this monumental time in NFL history. I want to take this opportunity to
Mike Donnelly
congratulate all the Player Representatives for standing up to lead.
Alex Fink
Eli Fitch
Over the course of the last few months, issues of player health and safety Khalil Garriott
have gained significant public attention. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Glendalyn Junio
Sean Morey, Kevin Mawae and NFLPA Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer, Melanie Kaplan
the NFL has reacted and responded to our call to make the game safer. Kevin Koski
There are certain health and safety issues that are dictated by the CBA, Jilane Rodgers
but the health and safety of NFL players will never be something I bargain
Heath Smith
over. We will continue to press for greater transparency, innovation and
Leah Webb
protections to improve well beyond our recent gains and in January, the
NFLPA’s own Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Committee will
COVER PHOTO :
meet for the first time. You can read about it in this issue of The Huddle.
Woods Wheatcroft
This edition of The Huddle also offers unique perspective on the work
the NFLPA has done to bring together all NFL players, past and present.
Preserving the historical connection of the game–from one generation of
players to the next–is an important and worthy goal. This year, the annual
Player Representative meeting will also coincide with the meeting for
former players. This bridge must be strengthened.

As we look to the New Year, there are many uncertainties on the horizon.
But one thing is certain: our union is strong because its members–the
players of the National Football League–are united and actively leading.

Sincerely,

DeMaurice F. Smith

1133 20th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20036
(800) 372-2000 Toll Free
NFLPLAYERS.COM
 NFLPA Brings Past & Present Together

Players Meet with Members of Congress 10

4 28 16

NFLPA Introduces Financial

Learning Center
Concerns Raised for Players’ Safety
What’s Happening in South Florida

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UNION NEWS 26 NFLPA Joins President Obama

Players Meet with Members of Congress 2 NFL PLAYERS Visit U.S. Capitol in Call to Service
2 Unions Unite for Worker Solidarity 27 Native Vision Sports & Life
Skills Camp
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4 NFLPA Addresses Head Injuries
27 Player Community Events
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6 Headquarters Renamed to
Concerns Raised for Players’ Safety Honor Upshaw SUPER BOWL EVENTS
6 NFLPA Donates to MLK Memorial 28 Super Bowl XLIV Events
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8 Leadership Corner: Jeff Saturday
NFL PLAYERS NEWS

FH;I;DJ
JE=;J>;H 8 2009-2010 NFLPA Player
Strengthen Retired Players Relationships Representatives 30 Caricature Partnership
31 NFL PLAYERS & ESPN
FEATURE ARTICLE
32 2009 NFL PLAYERS “Helmets Off“
16 <?D7D9?7B
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10 NFLPA Brings Past &
NFLPA Introduces Financial Present Together 33 Sponsorship Spotlight
Learning Center
PLAYER PROGRAMS RETIRED PLAYERS NEWS
34 Retired Players Convene in D.C.
28 IKF;H
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NB?L 14 Guidelines for Your Football Career
16 35 2010 NFLPA Retired Players
What’s Happening in South Florida NFLPA Financial Learning Center
Convention
17 Kaplan Prepares Players for
36 Retired Player Profile: Terry Hoage
Post-NFL Careers
18 CSSI Background Investigations 37 NFLPA & NCSA
19 Safe Ride Solutions 38 Chapter News: Holiday House
in Dallas
20 Security to Go
22 NFLPA & NCAA Coaches Internship COACHES NEWS
23 2010 Player Development Programs 39 Lockout Clauses

10% COMMUNITY NEWS LOCKER ROOM ROUNDUP

Cert no. SW-COC-002262 25 USA Football/NFLPA
“All-Fundamentals” Team

PAGE 1 WINTER 2009


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HIT THE
HALLWAYS OF
U.S. CAPITOL
BY MELANIE KAPLAN
NFL PLAYERS ON THE STEPS OF THE CAPITOL
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for Worker Solidarity
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
During his stop in Pittsburgh
for the 2009 NFL Kickoff, NFLPA
Executive Director DeMaurice
Smith visited with members of
the United Steelworkers (USW) to
announce a strategic partnership
between the two organizations to
build union-to-union solidarity.
PAGE 2 WINTER 2009
UNION NEWS
They wore dress shoes instead of cleats and walked
down corridors instead of running yards on the field.
But for the 19 NFL players who visited Capitol Hill in
July, it was all part of the game plan.
“Never before, that I know of, has the union taken this direction of
going to Congress,” NFLPA President and Tennessee center Kevin
Mawae said. “But we want to let members of Congress know we’re
more than just football players. We are businessmen and we know
that if there’s a lockout it would hurt us in providing for our families,
hurt our communities and hurt everyone whose work is affected by
NFL games.”
Players who participated in the day’s meetings included: Charlie Batch
(Pittsburgh), Kris Brown (Houston), Mark Bruener (retired), Chris
Draft (Buffalo), Domonique Foxworth (Baltimore), Nolan Harrison
(retired), Ben Hartsock (New York Jets), Hunter Hillenmeyer (Chicago),
Kevin Mawae (Tennessee), Mike McBath (retired), Quintin Mikell
(Philadelphia), Brandon Moore (New York Jets), Takeo Spikes (San
Francisco), Joe Thomas (Cleveland), Adalius Thomas (New England),
James Thrash (retired), Scott Turner (retired), Mike Vrabel (Kansas
City) and George Wilson (Buffalo).
The 14 active and five retired players met with more than a dozen
members of Congress over eight hours, including Representative Nancy
“We have always had very strong relationships with labor unions.
Without the AFL-CIO in our history, our union would not have
survived,” Smith said. “I just wanted to say thank you to them
for being such good friends to us in the past and to commit to
them that we will be strong partners in the future. I am thrilled
to announce the reunited alliance between us, the United
Steelworkers, the AFL-CIO, but most importantly, labor unions
all over the country.”
With the partnership, the unions will collaborate on efforts to build
power for workers, cooperate on legislative and political efforts, and
create a stronger bond between all labor unions. The meeting was
the first of a series of discussions aimed at building unity between
the NFLPA and blue collar workers across the nation.
“I’m proud to welcome some of the world’s finest professional
athletes and their union to Pittsburgh as they kick off this series of
solidarity events,” USW International President Leo W. Gerard said
during the visit. “It doesn’t matter whether you work on the shop
 UNION NEWS

Pelosi of California, Speaker of the House of Representatives;

Representative Linda Sanchez of California, Member of the
House Ways and Means Committee; Representative Chris Van
Hollen of Maryland, Assistant to the Speaker of the House;
and Congressman Heath Shuler of North Carolina, a former
“ Never before, that I
know of, has the union
taken this direction of
“
NFL player.
going to Congress.
“It’s our job to go up and introduce ourselves as men,” NFLPA
Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said. “These men may do Kevin Mawae
inhuman things on the field, but they’re ordinary citizens who NFLPA President & Tennessee Center
care about what they do for a living and care about what’s going
to happen on the horizon on the labor front.”

Smith, the players and NFLPA regional directors explained to

members of Congress that the union had signed a Collective
Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the NFL in 2006, but that
the owners opted out of the agreement in 2008. Now, the
players are facing an uncapped year if a CBA is not negotiated
by March 2010. The CBA will terminate the following year in
March 2011. Smith also stressed to lawmakers that it’s their right
and responsibility to ask tough questions when it comes to any
entity that receives antitrust exemptions from Congress, as the
NFL does.
“It’s hard negotiating a deal where I don’t know what the NFL
teams make, and you don’t know what the NFL teams make,”
Smith said to Sanchez. “They get two tremendous antitrust
exemptions, and no one knows how much the average NFL
team makes.”
There is urgency to the situation, Smith and the players told
members of Congress, because this is the last “normal” year.
Starting with the first uncapped year in 2010, owners are not
obligated to pay benefits to retired and disabled players.
“They will have jobs,” Smith said, indicating the active players in
the room. “But how do we get a deal done to make sure the retired
players don’t lose benefits in an uncapped year? I don’t think it’s
morally right when [the NFL makes] $8 billion a year.”
Sanchez assured Smith and the players that there is indeed interest
on Capitol Hill in making sure there is a level playing field in the
labor negotiations.
“We’re committed to making sure this is fair and transparent,”
Sanchez said, adding that she was pleased to hear the union is
presenting itself as “one voice” for both active and retired players.
“I never considered myself a political person before, but as a leader
in the union, you need to understand politics,” said Spikes, who
serves as San Francisco’s Player Representative. “It was good to
come here today to see the political process in action. What we
did was let the members of Congress know the issues and let them
know what questions they should be asking.”

floor or in a stadium filled with 80,000 screaming

fans; we must fight together for fairness and dignity
for all workers.”

Throughout his presentation at the USW international

headquarters, Smith underscored the significance
of labor unions nationwide, while reiterating the
importance of building relationships with one another
and standing unified on all labor issues.

“What I want to make sure everyone here recognizes

is that the players of the National Football League
love our fans and we are brothers and sisters with the
labor movement all over the country,” Smith said. “To
our unions, to the people who taught us how to stand
up, to be unified and be strong, [and] to our union
brothers and sisters, we will stand shoulder to shoulder
with you, today, tomorrow and forever. I promise.”

DEMAURICE SMITH

PAGE 3 WINTER 2009

 UNION NEWS

DEMAURICE SMITH & FORMER TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS PRESIDENT GAY CULVERHOUSE

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Gives Testimony on Head Injuries
BY MIKE DONNELLY & JILANE RODGERS

NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith gave

testimony before the House Judiciary Committee in late October
to address the growing concern surrounding the impact of head
injuries sustained by NFL players.

Smith, one of 18 individuals on the Congressional Committee’s Joining Smith as witnesses at the hearing were NFL Commissioner
witness list, spoke of the NFLPA’s commitment to “getting the right Roger Goodell, former players Merril Hoge, Tiki Barber and
answers” on issues involving concussions, brain trauma and the Bernie Parrish, former Tampa Bay President Gay Culverhouse
health and safety of all NFL players. and several experienced professionals within the medical field.

“As the Executive Director, my number one priority is to protect
those who play and have played this game,” Smith said. “There is no
interest greater than their health and safety. Let me say this again:
Safety of the players is paramount.”
For years, the issue of head injuries has been an ongoing problem
in sports but has only recently received much public attention.
Smith, who was elected to the union’s top post by the NFLPA
Board of Player Representatives in March, explained to members
of Congress that the players association has taken several steps to
address the issue.
Although some lawmakers stated that legislative action may be
necessary to properly address the issue, both Smith and Goodell
noted the need for the union and the league to become the leading
voices in football about head injuries. Each acknowledged the
need to promptly identify and implement measures that can be
taken to minimize the risks of concussion and brain trauma and
the long-lasting effects associated with those issues.
Rep. John Conyers, Jr., (D-Mich.) the chairman of the House
Judiciary Committee, used these testimonies as a springboard

PAGE 4 WINTER 2009

 UNION NEWS
STEPS THE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION HAS TAKEN TO
ADDRESS THE CONCUSSION, BRAIN TRAUMA AND
HEALTH SAFETY ISSUES OF ALL NFL PLAYERS:
The creation of the NFL Players Association
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Committee in May 2009.
Receiving unconditional support from the Chapter
Presidents and Steering Committee members
who represent the retired NFL players.
Encouraging more players to dedicate their
bodies to medical science in an effort to provide
researchers with the best information to aid those
who will play the game in the future.
For the first time ever, requiring the NFLPA’s
Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer to attend every
meeting, including collective bargaining meetings
that deal with player health and safety. Dr. Mayer
also chairs the Players TBI Committee.
Declaring that the players will not bargain for
medical care or health and safety because they
are player rights not subject to compromise.
Requesting aggregate medical information from
the NFL.
to ask Smith and Goodell to share all of the union and league’s medical
records with the committee. Goodell ultimately agreed to do so, and Smith
immediately agreed to the request at his turn.
Though Goodell was criticized by members of Congress throughout the day
for lacking specific answers to questions regarding what the league is doing in
regards to head injuries, Smith was quick to provide answers as to how the
union plans to address these challenges moving forward.
Smith acknowledged that there are differences in the way in which the union
and the league feel the issue should be addressed, but he characterized the
hearings as “a turning point on this issue.”
After his testimony, Smith said, “Let’s get the right people on the right
committee, where we can look at all the right information and have those
folks come out with best practices.”
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Forms Concussion
& Traumatic Brain
Injury Committee
In October, the NFL Players Association
announced the Concussion and Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI) Committee, formed in
May, to address the issue of head trauma
among professional football players.
Led by NFLPA Executive Director
DeMaurice Smith, President Kevin Mawae,
Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer and
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Sean
Morey, the special committee will address
two critical issues:
The diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of concussions and
TBI in active players.
The long-term, cumulative
effects of isolated or repetitive
TBI in NFL players as patients
and how these effects can be
reduced or eliminated.
Funded by the players, the Concussion
and TBI Committee will act as a “super
conductor” of current and future studies
and is charged with one overarching
goal: to get the right answer. It will be
co-chaired by Morey and Dr. Mayer,
and comprised of other active players,
former players, researchers in the field
of TBI and physicians with expertise in
neurological injuries.
“The creation of this committee was
designed to bring both independence and
expertise to the ongoing analysis of serious
head injuries so we can better protect our
players,” Smith said. “I am confident that
Sean Morey and Dr. Mayer will lead this
team to gather more comprehensive data
and provide real solutions for our players,
both past and present.”
PAGE 5 WINTER 2009
 UNION NEWS

<4:>/ Headquarters Renamed

in Honor of Upshaw
BY MELANIE KAPLAN

As Hall of Famer Art Shell stood before the hundreds of guests gathered in front
of the NFL Players Association headquarters on September 26, he marveled at the
sight of those who had assembled to witness the dedication of the building
in honor of his friend, the late Gene Upshaw.

“What a great day. This is such a great day
to honor the name, the legacy and the
achievements of the great Gene Upshaw,”
Shell said.
Shell went on to describe the many
achievements Gene accomplished as
the union’s leader and noted the fact
that Upshaw would have been humbled
by this special recognition and the
outpouring of support.
“If he were here, you know what he would
say?” said Shell, in front of an audience
of Upshaw’s family members, friends and
former colleagues. ‘Art, what are they
doing? I don’t need this.’ Well, my friend,
whether you want it or not, you have
earned this honor and you’ve got it.”
The culmination of the event, which was
attended by Upshaw’s widow Terri and
their sons Justin and Daniel, featured the
unveiling of the new building name, 63
Upshaw Place @ 1133 20th Street, in
honor of Upshaw’s 25 years of service
as Executive Director of the union.
During his tenure, Upshaw negotiated
collective bargaining agreements that
ultimately led to free agency, higher
salaries, revenue sharing and other
significant player benefits. He served
as the union leader until succumbing
to pancreatic cancer in August 2008.
“Gene Upshaw is inextricably tied to
our past,” NFLPA Executive Director
DeMaurice Smith said. “For 25 years,
Gene Upshaw continued to write in
a ledger, a history penned by those who
wrote in the same ledger before him…
His ledger is our future.”
Smith explained to guests in attendance
that the building’s new name represented
Upshaw’s legacy.
“Today we resolve in this dedication that
as we work in this building, as our players
come back to this building, as our men who
played this game yesterday and will play
this game tomorrow come to this building,
we will take our history, we will learn its
lessons, we will honor our heroes and we
will continue to write our legacy for those
who, with honor and pride, will come after
us,” Smith said.
Several exterior alterations were made to
the building, including a 63 Upshaw Place
sign and a GU sidewalk medallion, both
positioned at the building’s entrance. In
addition, two large bronze sculptures—one
of Gene as a player and one of him as a
union leader—stand mirroring each other on

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to MLK Memorial
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO

At the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Awards Luncheon

held in Washington, D.C., in September, NFL Players Association
Executive Director DeMaurice Smith announced a donation of
$1 million on behalf of the NFLPA in support of the Martin
Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.

“Today it is our pleasure, our honor, to do everything we can as

players of the National Football League,” Smith said. “It is my
pleasure to present to the foundation a check for $1 million.”
DEMAURICE SMITH DONATES $1 MILLION ON BEHALF OF THE NFLPA

PAGE 6 WINTER 2009

 UNION NEWS

“
“ Gene was both an extraordinary
leader and the ultimate team player.
Paul Tagliabue
Former NFL Commissioner

location at 1133 20th Street, the building will serve as a lasting

tribute to a man who spent the majority of his life working on
behalf of NFL players.

CLARK GAINES PRESENTS THE UPSHAW
FAMILY WITH A COMMEMORATIVE GIFT
the walls of the lobby, and a six-screen video wall was installed.
Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue described the union
headquarters as a locker room for Upshaw’s team.
“I know that this building is Gene’s version of a home for the
players and for the staff, and that they can come together and
can accomplish all the things necessary and needed for this
organization,” Gaines said. “So I know that today Gene is
looking down on us with tremendous pride.”

“[It was] his Players Association team,” Tagliabue said. “It’s

where he learned. It’s where he built consensus, polished his
game plan, called his signals, communicated wisely. Gene was
both an extraordinary leader and the ultimate team player.”

NFLPA Assistant Executive Director Clark Gaines, a close friend

and colleague of Upshaw’s, spoke about how the building’s new
name represented the organization’s link to a man who will forever
be known for his indelible mark on the game of football.

“Gene once told me that an organization without history is

basically a person without a soul. And that’s why it’s important
to me to know that Gene will live on in the annals of history of
this organization, and that this organization will be better for it,”
Gaines said.

According to Gaines, the NFLPA’s headquarters was housed

in various locations throughout its history. Now, in its current

DANIEL, TERRI & JUSTIN UPSHAW

Several members of Congress were in attendance as Smith “I am thankful to the NFL Players Association for joining our
presented the check, including: House Majority Whip James family of donors to help build this important memorial honoring
Clyburn, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Dr. King,” said Memorial Foundation President and CEO, Harry
Lee, Representative Patrick Kennedy and Representative Sheila Johnson. The union’s donation brings the foundation’s fundraising
Jackson-Lee. Kennedy, a Memorial Foundation board member, total to $107 million out of the $120 million needed.
accepted one of the Defender of Democracy Awards of behalf
Visit www.buildthedream.org for more information on the Washington,
of his late father, Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.,
The memorial will honor Dr. King’s national and international or to make a donation.
contributions to world peace through nonviolent social change.
It will be built on a four-acre site along the Tidal Basin, adjacent
to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and in a direct line
between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The centerpiece
of the memorial will be a towering stone sculpture of Dr. King,
called the Stone of Hope.

PAGE 7 WINTER 2009

 UNION NEWS

BY GLENDALYN JUNIO

eff Saturday has

served as a Player
Representative for
the Indianapolis
Colts since 2002
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and sits on the

NFLPA Executive
Committee. He
joined the Colts
as a free agent
in 1999 and has
since been a
dominant center
for the offensive line.
The three-time Pro Bowler
and Super Bowl champion
stresses that “players need to
understand what unity is at a
time like this” as bargaining
negotiations continue.
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Arizona Cardinals Chicago Bears Detroit Lions

REP Ralph Brown REP Hunter Hillenmeyer REP DeWayne White
ALT Bertrand Berry ALT Rashied Davis ALT Jason Hanson
ALT Sean Morey ALT Robbie Gould ALT Jon Jansen

'
Atlanta Falcons Cincinnati Bengals Green Bay Packers
REP Erik Coleman REP Andrew Whitworth REP Mark Tauscher
ALT Brian Finnerman ALT Laveranues Coles ALT Al Harris
ALT Tony Gonzalez ALT Bobbie Williams ALT Charles Woodson

Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns Houston Texans

REP Derrick Mason REP Hank Fraley REP Chester Pitts
ALT Chris Carr ALT Robert Royal ALT Kris Brown
ALT Todd Heap ALT Joe Thomas ALT *

Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Indianapolis Colts

REP George Wilson CO-REP DeMarcus Ware REP Jeff Saturday
ALT Chris Kelsay CO-REP Jason Witten ALT Gary Brackett
ALT Brian Moorman ALT Bradie James ALT Freddy Keiaho

Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos Jacksonville Jaguars

REP Muhsin Muhammad REP Brian Dawkins REP Rashean Mathis
ALT John Kasay ALT Vonnie Holliday ALT Jordan Black
ALT Steve Smith ALT Kyle Orton ALT Maurice Jones-Drew

PAGE 8 WINTER 2009

 UNION NEWS

=<E6G63031/;37<D=:D32(
I didn’t necessarily understand how we got our benefits or why
we had the benefits that we did. My teammates knew that I was
interested in understanding why we had what we had, what
makes our benefit plans so good, why it is so important that we
have a 401(k) and why we would give up salary for those things.
As I began to learn, I wanted to share that with the guys and let
them understand why things happen the way they do and what
decisions were made to get us where we are now.
=<A/D7<5;=<3G(
The biggest thing to communicate to my teammates is the
importance of saving money. I tell guys to put money away
and don’t make purchases that you may have thought you
were going to do, like a bigger house, more cars or all those
things that sometimes come along with money and being
young. Also, understand where you are in your free agency
timeline and when it is the time for you to be able to hit the
market. All those things are very important issues that guys
need to understand.

=<16/::3<53A>:/G3@
@3>A4/13( =<93G;3AA/53A(
Understanding how the lockout can truly affect us as players is
I think finding time during the season to talk to teammates
important. I think players need to understand what unity is at
is probably the toughest challenge for Player Reps. We have
a time like this. If we stick together and show that we are united,
such a busy schedule, working six days out of the week. We all
that we are in this together and that we are willing to save
have families; we all have things outside of the game that are
money, we show the owners that we understand how important
important to us. That is probably the toughest thing—to get
this business is. This is our business as well as theirs. That is the
guys together during the season for true dialogue.
most important thing that I can relate to my players.

=<4@33B7;3BC3A2/GA(
I love to hang out with my wife. That’s our day to hang
out and to be a couple.

Kansas City Chiefs New York Giants San Diego Chargers Tennessee Titans
REP Brian Waters REP Shaun O’Hara REP Nick Hardwick REP David Thornton
CO-ALT Jon McGraw ALT Danny Clark ALT Nate Kaeding ALT Michael Roos
CO-ALT Rudy Niswanger ALT Kareem McKenzie ALT Shaun Phillips ALT Kyle Vanden Bosch

± 
Miami Dolphins New York Jets San Francisco 49ers Washington Redskins
REP Chad Pennington REP Tony Richardson REP Walt Harris REP London Fletcher
ALT Greg Camarillo ALT Jay Feely ALT Tony Pashos ALT Ethan Albright
ALT Ricky Williams ALT Brandon Moore ALT Takeo Spikes ALT Antwaan Randle El

Minnesota Vikings Oakland Raiders Seattle Seahawks * Election scheduled for later date
REP Steve Hutchinson REP Tony Stewart REP T.J. Houshmandzadeh
ALT Jared Allen ALT Ricky Brown CO-ALT Deon Grant
ALT Ben Leber ALT Zach Miller CO-ALT Matt Hasselbeck

New England Patriots Philadelphia Eagles St. Louis Rams

REP Matt Light REP Sheldon Brown REP Adam Goldberg
ALT Tom Brady ALT Quintin Mikell ALT Oshiomogho Atogwe
ALT Adalius Thomas ALT Brian Westbrook ALT Jason Brown

New Orleans Saints Pittsburgh Steelers Tampa Bay Buccaneers

REP Jon Stinchcomb REP Charlie Batch REP Chris Hovan
CO-ALT Scott Fujita ALT Ryan Clark ALT Michael Clayton
CO-ALT Will Smith ALT DeShea Townsend ALT Jeff Faine

PAGE 9 WINTER 2009

D<BF7
8H?D=I
ON THIS PAGE (FROM LEFT
TO RIGHT): WALT HARRIS,
CHESTER PITTS, JAMES
THRASH, EUGENE CHUNG,


& DEMAURICE SMITH

F7IJ FH;I;DJ
BY HEATH SMITH
JE=;J>;H
ON THIS PAGE (FROM LEFT
TO RIGHT): KEVIN MAWAE,
Soon after he was elected Executive Director of the NFL Players Association last
KEVIN CARTER, HEATH EVANS, spring, DeMaurice F. Smith made clear his intention to ensure that the union
CHARLIE BATCH & BRIAN
DAWKINS worked in the interest of those who previously played in the NFL as vigorously
as those who currently play in the NFL. Smith’s vision of unity among active
and former NFL players has since led to a more unified organization, one that
is ready to face the issues that confront all players, past and present.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: EBENEZER EKUBAN, HANK FRALEY, DREW BREES,
DAVID THORNTON, NICK HARDWICK, JON MCGRAW, RUDY NISWANGER,
KEVIN MAWAE, DEMAURICE SMITH, VONNIE HOLLIDAY, GREG ELLIS, KRIS
BROWN, ADAM GOLDBERG, CHRIS KLUWE & RASHIED DAVIS

“I represent the people who play this game; I represent the greats who
used to play this game,” Smith said in September. “And in the same
J he bond between former players and the NFLPA took
another major step forward in October, when Smith
and senior union officials met with the NFLPA Retired
Players Steering Committee as well as the NFLPA Retired
way that we always stand firm and stand tall on the field, we will stand Players Chapter Presidents.
shoulder to shoulder with the people who used to play this game, the
people who made this game great.” The group, which constitutes the senior leadership of retired
players, addressed the current status of the collective bargaining
Next March, active and former players will come together in Maui negotiations and discussed the impact of an uncapped year next
for three days of meetings to discuss issues that affect all players. season and the threat of a lockout in 2011. The members
The meeting, however, will also passed a resolution to
not be the first event to shed embrace the creation of the
light on the strengthening NFLPA’s Concussion and
relationship between past and
present players.
“ My hope is to bring everyone together,
one voice, one team under one roof. Let’s
bring the retired guys and the current guys
“ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Committee, a group that will
focus on the issue of head
This new spirit of unity began together and let’s make peace. trauma among professional
to take shape in June when football players.
Herb Adderley
the NFLPA announced the
settlement of a lawsuit with “This is an important issue
a group of former players for retired players and active
who were in dispute with the union over the use of their images in players,” said former Buffalo Bills linebacker Cornelius Bennett,
licensing and marketing deals. Smith was committed to finding a who played in the NFL from 1987 to 2000. “When you are
resolution to this particular issue as quickly as possible, and announced young, you aren’t thinking about anything but playing. Then
the settlement alongside Hall of Fame cornerback Herb Adderley. you retire and your body starts acting differently. This is an issue
that really should have been on the front-burner a long time ago.”
“This helps us bury the hatchet and the bitterness that has been there
between the current guys and the retired guys,” Adderley said during Smith, NFLPA President Kevin Mawae (Tennessee), NFLPA
the announcement. “My hope is to bring everyone together, one voice, Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer and Player Representative
one team under one roof. Let’s bring the retired guys and the current Sean Morey (Arizona) worked together to form the committee,
guys together and let’s make peace.” which will address the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of

PAGE 12 WINTER 2009

concussions and brain injuries in active players. The committee Owens said he hoped the joint convention would help unite former
will also focus on the long-term cumulative effects of isolated players as well, given the fact that a number of retired player groups
or repetitive TBI in NFL players in order to discover how these have formed over the years in an effort to divide the membership.
effects can be reduced and eliminated.
“I think if everybody comes to participate in the convention, those
“There has always been so much pressure for players to get back on splinter groups will understand that the NFLPA is really fighting
the field and perform regardless of the circumstances,” added Brig for all players,” Owens said. “If you look at the NFL owners and
Owens, a former defensive back who played for the Washington management, it is clear that they have taken a divide and conquer
Redskins from 1966 to 1977 and has since worked closely with the approach toward retired players. The NFLPA’s goal is to have a real
NFLPA on retired player dialogue with all former players.
issues. “It is important for We want all retired players to
all players to know what the come. We are all one team.”
long-term and short-term
effects [of concussions] are
going to be.”
“ Our strength is in our unity. We need
retired players to support the active
players and vice versa. We want all
“ The NFLPA has arrived at a
critical juncture in its history, as
it is faced with the challenge of
players to be a part of the organization.
But perhaps the most working out a new CBA with
significant development Andre Collins NFL owners while continuing
in the relationship between NFLPA Director of Retired Players to make efforts to improve
active and former players the health and safety of NFL
has been the discussion players. Smith has made it
of adding a former player to the NFLPA Executive Committee, clear that the union will tackle these challenges with the help of all
which would give former players an official voice within the players, past and present. For former players, that sounds like music
union and at the bargaining table with NFL owners during to their ears.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.
“The PA is the only organization where we can have unity amongst
“We are all one and DeMaurice has really brought that to life,” both groups,” Owens said. “The NFLPA offers support for retired
Owens said. “Having a seat on the Executive Board puts us in players through its programs and has made a strong effort to bring
the discussion now on issues facing all players. [The CBA] will all players together.”
be one of those agreements that will affect all professional sports
and it will be good to have former players in that discussion.”

D
o one is more pleased to see how the relationship
between the union and former players has progressed
this past year than NFLPA Director of Retired Players
Andre Collins. “Retired players are an important part of our
membership,” Collins said. “We have more than 4,000 former
player members. That is the largest group of retired players for
any professional sports union.”

Collins expressed his particular interest in what could be

accomplished in March. The active players will hold their
annual meeting from March 12–16, while the former players
will hold their convention March 14–19. From March 14–16,
the meetings will be combined and will include joint sessions
and a Leadership Breakfast on March 15.

“We felt that having a joint meeting was needed to bring the
players together,” Collins said. “Our strength is in our unity.
We need retired players to support the active players and vice
versa. We want all players to be part of the organization.”

“The former players are thrilled about the opportunity to

participate with active players in this way. They have always
had the mindset to take this relationship as far as it will go,”
he added.

SMITH SPEAKS WITH MEMBERS OF THE

ORLANDO RETIRED PLAYERS CHAPTER

PAGE 13 WINTER 2009

 PLAYER PROGR AMS

5C723:7<3A
4=@G=C@4==B0/::1/@33@


YOUR TALENT T AND HARD WORK HAVE GIVEN YOU AN OPPORTUNITY AS WELL
SPONSIBILITIES. YOUR ABILITY TO SUCCEED ON AND OFF THE
AS MANY RESPONSIBILITIES
MPROVE IF YOU ARE PREPARED.
FIELD WILL IMPROVE

$ Learn the Business

gSO`a !
 Educate yourselff on the NFL and NFL PLAYERS
(sponsors, licensees, group licensingg rights, Rookie
Premiere, Rookie Symposium, Combine).
Make the Team
 Dedicate yourself to your craft.
aft. This is
Read yourr Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Know yourr rights regarding working
not just a game anymore; thiss is yourr JOB. conditions, free agencyy and salary.
Establish yourself on the team,
m, learn your
Introduce yourselff to yourr Playerr Rep—
playbook and limit off-field distractions.
get to know
w yourr teammates.
Report to Camp On Time 
It’s important to know your value and % Visit the Office in Washington D.C.
Get to know
w the NFLPA staff.
then get to camp.

Prepare for Your Future

! Soon ure as & Volunteer
as You Get Drafted
afted Givingg backk to the communityy is essential in
buildingg a personal brand. Focus on causes
The average NFL career lasts just under
that interest you personally. Contact NFLPA
four years, so your future could
uld be sooner
Membership Services to get involved in
than you think.  communityy events.

" Complete Your Degree ee

Studies show that players who
o obtain ' Network
degrees have longer careers and
nd make The relationships you fosterr mayy benefit you
more money. If you did not graduate, both personallyy and professionallyy down the road.
consider consulting your player
yer Collect business cards and be polite to everyone
development director to set upp a degree you meet, as theyy could be potential resources
completion plan for the offseason.
ason. Your during yourr transition to yourr post-NFL career.
off-the-field development activities
ivities such
as continuing education, business
iness  Educate Yourself

ventures and internships should
uld be  Learn moneyy management skills to manage your
limited tothe offseason.
 credit and debt.

Identify a Mentor
# You  Focus

rely on a coach on the field to help Save yourr moneyy forr short-term goals, emergencies
you develop and the same could
ould be helpful and transition.
for your off-the-field endeavors.
ors. Use your
status as an NFL player to maximize  Maximize
potential mentoring opportunities
unities in Enhance yourr 401(k) everyy yearr that you have
areas that interest you. the option.

PAGE 14 WINTER 2009

PLAYER PROGR AMS

gSO`a "$ * BVSbW[SZW\S^`]dWRSaacUUSabW]\a]\Zg

>ZOgS`a[Og\SSRb]ORXcabU]OZab][SSb
^S`a]\OZ\SSRaO\RQW`Qc[abO\QSa

 Sign Up for a Player

Development Program
Consider Broadcast Boot Camp, the Business
Managementt & Entrepreneurial Program, offseason
shadowingg orr internships. Also, find ways to develop
and expose yourselff to areas otherr than football.

Continue to Network
You should have some idea off what you would like to
do afterr football; cultivate relationships in those areas.
 Consider a Graduate Degree
! Take advantage off the tuition reimbursement benefit;
an advanced degree could help with your gSO`a %
%
post-football careerr aspirations.
 Take a Leadership Position Establish Yourself a as a Leader
" Run forr an elected position in yourr union.  Mentor
r a youngerr playerr into the NFL and
NFLPA membership.
Leverage Your Career
# You are yourr business. When you are well- Make Second Caree
Career
branded, packaged and positioned, it opens Goals Public
the doorr to opportunity. As you nearr the end off yourr p
playing career,
begin speaking publiclyy abou
about your plans after
$ Start Building Your Legacy  you retire. This will increase yyour network of
Take ownership in yourr communityy through potential opportunities.
long-lasting relevant projects. Focusing in 
on one orr two causes will help you to build
yourr distinctive brand versus scattering your
! Continue to Network
Networking should continue throughout
time and efforts. each phase off yourr NFL caree
career.
Keep a copyy off the Collective
Position Your Brand for
Bargaining Agreement. " Maximum Success
Develop an investment policy
Develop a clearr brand and whatwh your name
statement, an agreement regarding
stands for; this will make a key
ke difference
howw yourr moneyy will be managed
afterr yourr careerr ends. Contin
Continue with your
and outlining yourr risk.
communityy involvement. This Th will provide
Plan an income stream forr your a more comprehensive picture
pictur of who you
second careerr transition. are as a person.

Evaluate
# Assess yourr financial plan to ensure that you
are on target to meet yourr go
goals and make
adjustments as necessary.

PAGE 15 WINTER 2009

 PLAYER PROGR AMS

D<BF7
?DJHE:K9;I 0



<?D7D9?7B
B;7HD?D=
9;DJ;H BY GLENDALYN JUNIO

In response to ongoing negotiations between the NFL Players Association

and the league, the NFLPA has partnered with Financial Finesse, the nation’s
leading provider of unbiased financial education programs, to give players
financial guidance through the NFLPA Financial Learning Center.

“There’s been a long standing need forr this kind off financial “The Financial Learning Center is intended to be a resource created
education forr ourr members who have unique circumstances that for and by the players,” said Dana Hammonds, NFLPA Director of
make financial planning particularlyy difficult,” NFLPA Executive Financial Programs and Advisor Administration. “Ryan and Casey
Directorr DeMaurice Smith said. were very instrumental in providing feedback, from the overall
look and feel of the Web site to suggestions on informational
“With no guarantees in NFL contracts and the potential forr a articles and content that is relevant to NFL players.”
2011 lockout, we want to make sure ourr members are prepared
forr injury orr anything that cripples theirr career. We’d also like Highlighted on the site are three options
them to transition from football to a lifetime off financial security
to begin financial guidance:
and independence—something that is possible only with smart
financial planning,” Smith added.
Personalized educational plans based on
The NFLPA Financial Learning Center, which is available to all
specific financial goals and challenges
NFLPA members, employees and respective familyy members,
offers a free one-stop resource forr financial assistance. In orderr to Navigation based on life events, such as
ensure that the Web site resonates with the needs off its members, marriage or a having a baby
the learning centerr was customized based on input provided by
several players. Free agents Caseyy Cramerr and Ryan Nece, for An option to browse by topic
instance, suggested incorporating articles that focus on allocating
Each option provides extensive educational information to
moneyy to familyy and friends, managing moneyy during the season
handle a variety of financial situations players may face.
and offseason, and dealing with an unexpected release from
the team.

“ The Financial Learning Center

is a resource that can benefit
players regardless of where
they are financially. This
is a great tool to access
when encountering financial
situations that require further
“
research or investigation.

Dana Hammonds
NFLPA Director of Financial Programs
& Advisor Administration

PAGE 16 WINTER 2009

 PLAYER PROGR AMS

9/>:/<
Prepares Players for
Post-NFL Careers

With the average NFL career lasting a

mere three to four years, preparing for
your post-football career is essential in
order to make a successful transition
from the gridiron to that next career.

Though the road may seem difficult, former Cleveland “But on the test, if you don’t know the answer, one of the things
Browns offensive lineman Lennie Friedman believes that you learn is that sometimes the smarter strategy is to guess and
players may actually have an upper hand when adapting to move on.”
the change in lifestyle.
Through the Kaplan course, Friedman was able to improve
“NFL players are the ultimate career changers, and the skills that
his GMAT score enough to get into Duke University’s Fuqua
make us successful on the field—drive, work ethic, ability to read
School of Business—one of the top-ranked business schools in the
and react to situations—can translate well in other professions,”
nation. Currently concentrating in corporate finance and general
Friedman said. “But successful pro athletes can’t make the leap to
management, Friedman recommends the course to every player
success in a different field without taking the transitional step of
interested in going to graduate school.
educating themselves in their area of interest.”
“You really put yourself at a disadvantage if you don’t take a
For many professions, that step means going back to business, law
Kaplan course,” he said. “It will provide you with the tools to
or graduate school, and the first step in the application process
help you be successful in your first step toward your next career.”
is taking the required admissions test. More than 90 percent of
business school admissions officers say your GMAT score is one
For more information about the NFLPA’s partnership with Kaplan,
of the two most important factors (grades being the other), while
contact Leslie.Satchell@nflplayers.com.
70 percent of law school admissions officers say your LSAT score
is the most important factor for getting into law school. That
means the score you get on a single test can determine whether or
not you get into business or law school—and the top 10 business
schools only accept 16 percent of all applicants.
9O^ZO\BSab>`S^1]c`aSa
To assist NFLPA members, the union has partnered with Kaplan AVAILABLE TO NFLPA MEMBERS & IMMEDIATE FAMILY
Test Prep and Admissions, the world’s leading test prep provider,
to offer players reduced tuition rates on test prep programs and PSAT, SAT or ACT College Admissions
admissions consulting services. The reduced tuition rate also
extends to players’ immediate family members taking other LSAT Law School
courses, such as the SAT. GMAT Business School
While Friedman played for the Bears, he enrolled in a Kaplan GRE Graduate School
GMAT class and learned that doing well on the test is as much
about learning how to take the test as it is about knowledge. MCAT Medical School

DAT Dental School

“Test-taking strategies like time management, how to look for
obvious wrong answers, knowing when to guess—these aren’t OAT Optometry School
intuitive. Athletes are trained to be the best, which means you
keep working on something until you get it right,” he said. PCAT Pharmacy School

PAGE 17 WINTER 2009


D;M
D<BF7

C;C8;H
I;HL?9; 0
Due Diligence Background Investigations
LETTER FROM TIM CHRISTINE, NFLPA DIRECTOR OF SECURITY
The NFL Players Association is pleased to offer
members access to a unique and confidential
background investigation service through Corporate
Security Solutions, Inc. (CSSI).
Not all criminals will use force or violence.
White collar thieves and fraudsters, for
instance, choose a pen or a PC as their
weapons of choice. In fact, most criminals
select victims who simply appear vulnerable.
You should never enter into a new business
relationship without performing a background
investigation on all prospective parties. You
should also consider conducting background
investigations on any person or service
provider you allow into your home or
who may have contact with your children.
Make no mistake about it; professional
athletes are being targeted by dishonest
 1AA72=AA73@@3>=@B 
Prepared exclusively for the NFLPA, CSSI’s Dossier Report is
one of the most comprehensive reports available. This report
contains all of the following:
Criminal Records
Sexual Offenses
Liens/Judgements
Bankruptcies
UCC Flings
Driver’s License Information
Traffic Accidents
Professional Licenses
Watercraft Owned
PAGE 18 WINTER 2009
persons. The end game is to protect your
finances and assets while safeguarding
your family.
Having worked in the law enforcement and
corporate security fields for nearly 30 years,
I encourage you to use me as a resource to
identify reputable security service providers.
CSSI is such a company I can recommend
to our membership.
The NFLPA and CSSI have negotiated
a member service discount rate of $100
for each person you wish to check. To
take advantage of this exclusive program,
Motor Vehicles Registered
Concealed Weapon Permits
FAA Aircraft Owned
Voter Registration
Possible Co-Workers
Possible Associates
Address History
Possible Properties Owned
Family Member List
PLAYER PROGR AMS
simply contact CSSI by telephone at
800-203-4731. CSSI will then send a
comprehensive CONFIDENTIAL report
to you electronically within 24 hours. If
your request is received during normal
business hours, you will receive same-day
service. If questionable information is
developed, a representative of CSSI will
contact you by telephone to ensure you
fully understand the information contained
in your report.
As your Director of Security, I am dedicated
to providing every resource available to
protect you, your loved ones and your
assets. I have seen far too many instances
where due diligence checks of this type
could have prevented losses. It’s in your
best interest to be fully informed when
making business and personal decisions.
“ I recently used the services
of CSSI for the first time
on behalf of a player I
represent. CSSI returned a
comprehensive dossier report
to me within hours. The report
was thorough, complete and
easy to follow. They provided “
the information I needed to
make an informed decision.
Jason Rosenhaus
Rosenhaus Sports Representation
 PLAYER PROGR AMS

driving service that offers players a safe alternative to

NFLPA TACKLES driving after social outings and celebrations.

2C7¶A
“We are pleased to offer such a valuable resource that will
assist our players in continuing to act responsibly while
avoiding unnecessary off-the-field issues,” NFLPA Player
Development Director Stacy Robinson said. “The Players
Association is committed to the health and safety of
players both on the field and off.”

With Safe Ride Solutions The Chargers first tested out a pilot program in 2006 to
help reduce the number of off-the-field incidents players
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
were experiencing in social settings. As a result of its
continued success, services are now available in all NFL
cities as well as parts of New Jersey, Maryland, Portland,
Los Angeles and Orange County.

To request a driver, NFLPA members call the toll-free

number provided in their membership packet. The driver
can either drive the individual home in his own vehicle or
provide driving services for an entire evening. Even with
added passengers, the driver will pick up or drop off clients’
guests prior to arriving at the final destination.

“Whether players are at the Super Bowl or out for a night

on the town in a team city, Safe Ride is there to provide
players with a service that will ensure their safety and peace
of mind,” Robinson said.

AOTS@WRSA]ZcbW]\a^`]dWRSa(

An exclusive call center for NFL players who

can have a professional law enforcement driver
take the client home or to their destination in
several major cities in the United States any time
around the clock.

Post-game parties, wine tastings and

galas—it’s the glamorous life of NFL AOTS@WRSA]ZcbW]\a2`WdS`aO`S(
players and celebrities alike. But with Hand-picked, customer service-oriented, off-duty
the fame comes a less alluring appeal to law enforcement professionals with at least three
the limelight: the immense exposure to years experience who work in the city.

alcohol and the increased likelihood to Professional drivers with advanced driving skills
drive under the influence. as well as CPR and first aid-certification.

Knowledgeable of dangerous areas in their cities

Though the majority of players are law-abiding citizens whose and can make appropriate recommendations on
lives remain private, the subject of DUI’s continues to be a what to avoid.
significant issue to both players and league officials. To combat
the problem, Lawrence & Associates Security Company teamed Legally bound to a confidentiality agreement to
up with free agent Lorenzo Neal and business professional Matt ensure members’ privacy.
Mahoney in developing Safe Ride Solutions (SRS), a professional

PAGE 19 WINTER 2009

 PLAYER PROGR AMS

A31C@7B G
B=5=(
Monitronics Home Security Joins the NFLPA
Member Services Discount Program

athletes are being targeted by criminals. But crime studies

World-class security for your home that have repeatedly shown a link between residential alarm
you can monitor and control from systems and crime reduction.

your mobile device or PC. That’s the
inspiration behind the new exclusive
offer to NFLPA members.
“Given a choice, a criminal will generally avoid a ‘hard’ target,
one that looks difficult to violate,” said Steve Baker, Vice
President of Sales and Dealer Development at Monitronics.
“If criminals know a house is protected by an alarm system
with motion-sensitive cameras, they are likely to move to a
more vulnerable target because they don’t want to take the

B
his announcement comes as Monitronics presents its
Gold Protection Program, the top security plan in their chance of getting caught.”
arsenal. This high-level package combines leading-edge
technologies with exceptional customer service to give you total 7\dSabW\Oab`]\URSTS\aS
alarm monitoring.
The core of the Monitronics Gold Protection Program is their
award-winning central monitoring station in Dallas, Texas.
“I am pleased to announce that we have joined Monitronics
Their highly trained security agents offer you unwavering
to offer our players a state of the art home security protection
program that will enhance your safety,” NFLPA Security Director
Tim Christine said. “This system was specifically designed for
our players to instantly view live video outside and inside your
home, as well as controlling your home security system from
any smartphone.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security uses Monitronics,

and the Gold Protection Program offers the same level of
protection to high-profile members of the NFLPA. They go to
extraordinary lengths to protect your privacy and lifestyle.

>`]bSQbg]c`aSZT^`]bSQbg]c`TO[WZg
Home invasions and burglaries pose a serious threat to you and
your family. In this web-based era, your personal information can
be found online by anyone. There is no question that professional

PAGE 20 WINTER 2009

 PLAYER PROGR AMS

“ A system like this is the only way to

know that your home is protected when
you’re not there. Unfortunately, when “ BlackBerry
you’re a professional football player, it’s
not a secret when you are not home.
Kevin Carter
NFLPA Executive Committee

attention through a dedicated toll-free number available

only to NFLPA members. The two-way voice function also Apple iPhone
allows communication with you during an emergency.

Remote access is another selling point for on-the-go

NFLPA members. Motion-sensitive indoor and outdoor
cameras stream live video to your mobile smartphone,
and you can view recorded video clips with your
mobile device or an Internet-enabled computer. An
alarm event—like a shattered window—can also trigger
a recorded video clip. 5=:2
Protection Program
To learn more about this offer
and for pricing information visit:
www.NFLPA.monitronics.com

BVS5]ZR>`]bSQbW]\>`]U`O[>@=D723A(
7<1:C23A( /22=<A(
On-site survey of your home by an authorized GE Concord 4 system Alpha numeric keypad
Monitronics installation dealer, vetted through drug
and criminal screens 2 alpha numeric keypads Keyfob
2 DesignLine keyfobs Pet immune motion detector
Written security analysis and report
3 pet immune motion detectors Door/window contact
Cutting-edge standard security package and add-ons
2 glass break detectors Recessed door contact
Full price disclosure
4 DesignLine recessed door contacts Glass break detector
“We see this exclusive NFLPA offer as being all about elite 8 crystal micro door/window contacts Carbon monoxide detector
protection, ultimate privacy and complete customization,” 2 carbon monoxide detectors Two-way voice module
said Mike Haislip, President and CEO of Monitronics.
1 two-way voice interrogator module Pan/tilt indoor camera
Few people require the level of protection and privacy as 1 Alarm.com GSM (cellular) unit  Additional cameras and hardware
members of the NFLPA. Monitronics meets those needs 1 outdoor night vision camera components will be available on
with this program, which offers remote access to your NFLPLAYERS.COM. Larger homes
1 indoor fixed camera will likely require additional hardware.
home’s alarm system and the backing of an exceptional
monitoring station. More than 800,000 people trust Window and lawn signage placards
Monotronics because they’ve earned it the old fashioned Cellular backup should your telephone NFLPA assumes no liability with regards
way: proven performance. landline be cut or if power is interrupted– to Monitronics’ products and services.
or if you don’t have a landline

PAGE 21 WINTER 2009

 PLAYER PROGR AMS

<4:>/  <1//
1=/163A7<B3@<A67>
Keep Players in the Game
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
RON CARPENTER

The passion for football never dies—
at least not for former St. Louis Ram
Ron Carpenter.
With the help of an internship from the NFLPA/NCAA Coaching
Internship Program, the former NFL defensive back was given an
opportunity this season to get back on the field, even after hanging
up his helmet and cleats. As the Assistant Coach for Defensive Backs,
Carpenter became the newest addition to the Central State University
Marauders football team.
“I’ve been coaching at my old high school for the past six years, but
I knew I wanted to get into the college or NFL level for coaching,”
Carpenter said. “So once I heard about the opportunity to coach
through the NFLPA, I jumped on it.”
The NFLPA/NCAA Coaching Internship Program was created in 2006
by the NFLPA, NFL, NCAA and American Football Coaches
Association. It was initially created to provide additional experience
to retired players who interned with NFL Europe, but after the league
ceased operation in 2007, it became the primary program to aid former
players hoping to break into coaching.
with the NFLPA/NCAA program last year at Bridgewater
College in Virginia. “Anyone who is a player, retired player,
or someone thinking about retiring—if you have a passion
for football and you want to keep it going, then give the
internship a shot,” Moore said. “It really opens your eyes to
a whole other side of football you never really thought of.”
For Carpenter, the positive experience can also be reflective of
a coaching staff full of NFL ties. “We have a commonality and
we speak the same language,” Carpenter said. “The coaching
experience could not have been any greater. We are all on the
same page [and] we all come from the same school, which is
the school of the NFL.”
The NFLPA/NCAA Coaching Internship Program is part of
an ongoing NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for
their post-playing careers. Applicants are required to submit
a letter explaining why they want the internship, what would
make them a good coach and how the experience would fit
into their career goals.
For more information about the program, please contact the NFLPA
Player Development Department at (800) 372-2000.

Carpenter had an extensive professional career, with stints in the NFL,

XFL, AFL and NFL Europe. He was a member of the St. Louis team
that won Super Bowl XXXIV and later helped the Los Angeles Xtreme
capture the championship in the XFL’s sole year of existence. He was
'<4:>/<1//1]OQVW\U
also a top playmaker for the AFL’s Detroit Fury. 7\bS`\aVW^>`]U`O[
>:/G3@ A16==:
“I’ve seen how different organizations are run from the inside and out,
as a player, a coach and an administrator,” Carpenter said. “All those Larry Bowie Huntingdon College
experiences have given me a wealth of information that I can use Ron Carpenter Central State University
moving forward.”
Warrick Holdman California University of PA

This is not the first time, however, that Central State has benefited Oliver Hoyte Lane College
from the experience of former NFL players. First-year head coach E.J. Javin Hunte Frostburg State University
Junior joined the Marauders team this season after years of playing and
Jarvis Johnson Clark Atlanta University
coaching in the NFL, which included an internship with NFL Europe.
Jim Jones Lake Forest College
“Getting a coaching job is all about who you know, and it’s about Rodrek Jones Bowie State University
creating that relationship so you’ll understand what they are looking for
Craig Sauer Augsburg College
as far as coaching styles,” Junior said. “You really need to put the time
in and pay your dues.” David Sloan Southwest Baptist

*Leroy Thompson Lincoln University

A former offensive guard/center in the NFL, Central State’s Assistant
Clarence Vaughn Bluffton University
Offensive Line Coach Larry Moore also began his coaching career
*Arena Football

PAGE 22 WINTER 2009

 PLAYER PROGR AMS

(&'&
8KI?D;II

C7D7=;C;DJ


;DJH;FH;D;KH?7B


FHE=H7C NOW AVAILABLE

Applications for the 2010 NFL Business Management and
Entrepreneurial Program are now available on NFLPLAYERS.COM.
The Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the
University of Pennsylvania will once again open their doors to active
and retired NFL players during the month of February.
The program at Harvard will be held Feb. 15-19 and will emphasize
entrepreneurial opportunities and business management. The
Wharton School will host its program from Feb.16-19 and will
focus on a broad range of business topics, including the following:
financial analysis, entrepreneurship, real estate
development, stock market investing, negotiation skills,
risk management and community reinvestment.
Player enrollment is based on one’s level of education,
professional business experience and interest in starting,
owning or managing a business, as well as leadership and
community involvement. For more information about the
program, please contact the NFLPA Player Development
Department at (800) 372-2000.

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Applications for the 2010 NFL Broadcast Boot Camp
will soon be available through the NFLPA Player
Development Department.

Scheduled for June 2010, the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp

offers active and retired NFL players interested in sports
broadcasting an invaluable opportunity to go through intense
training over a three-day span at NFL Films headquarters in Mt.
Laurel, New Jersey. Players will learn from some of the best in
the business and receive instruction in several areas, including
editing, show preparation, radio, game boards, interviewing,
play-by-play and field reporting.

Player enrollment is based on one’s previous participation in

NFL Player Development programs, prior media experience,
essays and NFL playing experience. For more information,
please contact the NFLPA Player Development Department
at (800) 372-2000. BERTRAND BERRY/ARIZONA

PAGE 23 WINTER 2009

Score an easy move with PODS.
Whether you need additional storage for your stuff, or if you’re moving to a new home across town or a new
team across the country, PODS helps you keep your focus on the game, not on your move.
Here’s the playbook:

We bring it. You pack it. We store it. We move it.

Up to

15%
Your Next Moving and Storage Project
*Available for a limited time only at participating locations. Offer void where prohibited by law. Please call or visit our website for service locations. Must mention promotional code at time of order. Cannot be combined
with any other offer. For local moves, 10% off initial local delivery and first month’s storage, except when better discounts are in place locally. Discount does not apply to extended delivery areas. For moves between two
different PODS company-owned and/or franchisee territories, 15% off first month’s storage, administrative fees, and transportation costs. ©2009 PODS Enterprises, Inc. P01609 1109

Offers are restricted to active and former NFL Players and NFLPA employees only.

10% DISCOUNT OFF WIRELESS SERVICE.

Sign up or apply the discount to your existing account
by visiting http://nflpa.preferredorders.com/.
Organization name is NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION.
*Discount does not apply to the “Sprint Everything Plan”
 COMMUNIT Y NEWS

D <BF7
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for “All-Fundamentals Team”
BY ALEX FINK

Ask a coach to pinpoint the most important

attribute to building a successful team and
you’ll likely get a three-word answer: Fundamentals,
“Fundamentals,
Fundamentals.”
USA Football, the Official Youth Football to best teach Xs and Os while instilling donate to the youth or high school football
Development Partner of the NFLPA, timeless lessons and values gained through program of his choice. USA Football will
teamed up with the NFLPA this fall America’s favorite sport. also present a custom-made helmet trophy
to recognize NFL players who showed produced by Riddell to the chosen players.
textbook technique and character through “We thought it would be a great opportunity
the creation of the 2009 USA Football/ to show to the young kids and their coaches Video and information on USA Football-
NFLPA “All-Fundamentals Team.” that NFL players play with technique, NFLPA “All-Fundamentals Team” members,
despite the perception,” Graham added. as well as the reason behind each selection,
Representing 11 offensive positions, 11 can be found on.www.usafootball.com.
defensive positions and four special teams Each selected player will receive a $1,500
positions (long snapper, kicker, punter and equipment grant from USA Football to
kick returner), the “All-Fundamentals Team”
was selected by a six-person committee with
representatives from both the NFLPA and
USA Football. 'CA/4==B0/::<4:>/
“It was a very difficult process in picking
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the players. There are just so many </;3 >=A7B7=< B3/; 4C<2/;3<B/:
fundamentally-sound players in the NFL,” David Akers K Philadelphia Kicking
NFLPA Regional Director Scottie Graham Nnamdi Asomugha CB Oakland Breaking on Ball
said. “We sat down and hammered it out, David Binn LS San Diego Long Snapping
but again it was difficult with so many Kyle Vanden Bosch DE Tennessee Defending the Run
players having outstanding technique in Drew Brees QB New Orleans Mechanics & Coverage Read
the league.” Ryan Clady T Denver Pass Blocking
Darnell Dockett DT Arizona Hand Use/Low at Contact/Quick off the Ball
Alan Faneca G New York Jets Pass Blocking
The committee members, all who have
Cortland Finnegan CB Tennessee Back Pedal w/ WR
either played or coached in the NFL,
Larry Fitzgerald WR Arizona Catching
include: USA Football Board Member
London Fletcher LB Washington Tackling
and NFLPA Senior Regional Director Tony Gonzalez TE Atlanta Short Route Running
Jason Belser; NFLPA Regional Directors Ryan Grant RB Green Bay Following Blocks/Carrying Ball
Tom Carter and Graham; Former NFL Steve Hutchinson G Minnesota Run Blocking
Coach and Player Herman Edwards; NFL Brian Moorman P Buffalo Punting
Coaches Association Executive Director Haloti Ngata DT/NT Baltimore Staying Low/First Step and Defeating Blocks
Larry Kennan; and USA Football Moran Norris FB San Francisco Blocking
Troy Polamalu S Pittsburgh Tackling/Coverage
Chairman Carl Peterson.
Jeff Saturday C Indianapolis Combo Blocks
Clifton Smith KR Tampa Bay Following Blocks/Acceleration
The 26-man roster salutes the league’s most
Joe Thomas T Cleveland Pass Blocking
fundamentally-sound players who exhibit
Osi Umenyiora DE New York Giants 2nd and 3rd Rush Pass Moves
the essential football values of teamwork Mike Vrabel LB Kansas City Shedding Blocks
and responsibility. The “All-Fundamentals DeMarcus Ware LB Dallas Pass Rush
Team” also matches USA Football’s passion Eric Weddle S San Diego Tackling/Coverage
Wes Welker WR New England Route Running

PAGE 25 WINTER 2009


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President Obama in Call to Service
BY MIKE DONNELLY & JILANE RODGERS
This summer, the NFL Players Association and its
players joined President Barack Obama in his mission
to build a stronger nation through the “United
We Serve” initiative, a national effort designed to
encourage more Americans to serve their communities.
“The players of the National Football
League have a unique opportunity to
serve as role models—both on and off the
field—and I applaud them for answering the
call to service through ‘United We Serve,’”
President Obama said. “Their example
proves that anyone, whether the toughest
of athletes or the youngest of fans, has
what it takes to make a difference in the life
of their communities and their country.”
“ I’m calling on all of you to make
volunteerism and community
service part of your daily life
and the life of this nation.
President Obama
In partnership with the Corporation
for National and Community Service,
the NFLPA distributed a public service
announcement to media outlets nationwide
on July 23, asking Americans to volunteer
and help build stronger communities.
“I’m calling on all of you to make
volunteerism and community service
part of your daily life and the life of
this nation,” said President Obama
in the PSA’s opening segment.
Following President Obama’s call-to-action,
players from around the league, including
Drew Brees (New Orleans), Brian Dawkins
(Denver) and Shaun O’Hara (New York
Giants), delivered personal messages of
PAGE 26 WINTER 2009
COMMUNIT Y NEWS
encouragement to the general public.
The piece also included behind-the-scenes
footage of more than 30 players serving in
their communities.
Created and produced by NFL PLAYERS,
the PSA utilized video from NFLPA
outreach events, players’ foundation
initiatives and other community service
projects across the country.
to answer the President’s call,” said Nicola
Goren, acting CEO of the corporation who
“The players of
leads the Administration’s “United We
the National
“ Football League
have accepted the
challenge made to
all Americans by the
Serve” initiative. “We salute the NFLPA
and the players for supporting ‘United We
Serve’ and helping build a better future for
all Americans.”
President and the
The Corporation for National and
First Lady,” NFLPA
Community Service created Serve.gov
Executive Director
specifically for the “United We Serve”
DeMaurice Smith
initiative. The online resource allows
said on behalf of all
volunteers to search for community
NFL players. “It is our hope that people
service opportunities and create their
across the country will join us in making a
own community projects from scratch.
difference in their communities.” Smith, a
youth baseball and basketball coach in his
“I often say that the beauty of serving others
neighborhood, also appeared in the PSA.
is that anyone can do it. You don’t have to
be president; you don’t have to be a pro
The “United We Serve” initiative, which
football player,” President Obama said. “All
aims to expand the impact of existing
you need to do is to have a desire to make a
organizations and encourage new
difference, to give back to your community
volunteers to develop their own “do-it-
and to contribute to your nation.”
yourself ” projects, focuses on five key
areas: education, health, energy and the
environment, community renewal, and
safety and security.
“Service is a solution to some of the
nation’s biggest challenges, and in these
tough times we need more Americans
 COMMUNIT Y NEWS
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Lets Youth Play Games & Set Goals
BY MELANIE KAPLAN
Eight-year-old Dominic, from the Zuni
Tribe in New Mexico, was the youngest
participant in the football workshop last
June at the 13th Annual Native Vision
Sports & Life Skills Camp. But that
didn’t stop him from playing the game
he loves so much.
“My favorite part of the Native Vision
Camp is that I can finally tackle
someone,” Dominic said. As for his
long-term goals, he wants to play for
the Washington Redskins.
NATIVE VISION SPORTS & LIFE SKILLS
CAMP PARTICIPANTS
Held on the White Mountain Apache
Reservation in Whiteriver, Ariz., the
camp offered 700 Native American youth
from across the country the opportunity
to participate in football, basketball,
soccer, running, volleyball and lacrosse
clinics led by 60 professional athletes.
The sports clinics were interspersed
with breakout sessions and workshops
designed by Johns Hopkins health experts
to promote discipline, teamwork and the
pursuit of education.
“The goal is to send the message to Native
American youth that developing healthy
lifestyles, educational goals and leadership
skills are a continuing and evolving process
that will become the foundation for their
success,” NFLPA Assistant Executive
Director Clark Gaines said.
Native Vision is a national youth
enrichment and empowerment initiative
operated by the Johns Hopkins Center
for American Indian Health in partnership
with the NFLPA. The program began as a
football camp for 100 children in 1996, and
has since grown exponentially through the
support of community-based organizations.
Since its inception, Native Vision has
served more than 2,000 families and
26,000 Native youth and tribal members.
NFL players are among the core
professional athletes at the camp,
conducting sports clinics and providing
positive mentorship and encouragement
for the campers.
“My favorite part was getting along with the
other Natives that come from all over the
country,” said 15-year-old camper George,
from the Ho-Chunk Tribe in Wisconsin.
“Plus, there’s professional football players
teaching us how to play ball, and I like
when they let us hit the tackling dummy!”
To raise funds for the program, the NFLPA
hosted the 14th Annual “Evening with
the Stars” event in early December at the
Embassy of Italy. Hosted by Washington
Redskins great Brian Mitchell, the
annual gala featured traditional Native
entertainment as well as live and silent
auctions featuring one-of-a-kind sports
memorabilia and American Indian art.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the
2010 Sports & Life Skills Camp, which
will be held June 10–12 at the Santa Fe
Indian School in Santa Fe, N.M.
For more information on the NFLPA’s
Native Vision partnership, please contact Jackie
Shearer at the NFLPA at 202-756-9120 or
Jackie.Shearer@nflplayers.com.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Charlie
Batch hosted his third annual “In the
Pocket” fundraiser at J. Verno Studios in
Pittsburgh in mid-November. Proceeds
from the event benefited reading and
computer literacy programs for his Best
of Batch Foundation. Teammates William
Gay, Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward
were among the NFL players who joined
guests for a night of pool, ping-pong and
poker, in addition to a silent auction
featuring Pittsburgh sports memorabilia.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Maurice Jones-Drew teamed up with
Winn-Dixie in November to deliver
turkeys and trimmings to 50 local families.
In partnership with the Family Support
Services of North Florida’s Family
Preservation Program, Jones-Drew also
provided a Thanksgiving meal to 35
families at the Homeless Coalition in
St. Augustine.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Michael Clayton hosted his first annual
Casino Gala Event in October to benefit
the Clayton Generation Next Foundation,
which equips underprivileged children
with the tools they need for a successful
future. Alongside other celebrity athletes,
Clayton and his guests took part in Las
Vegas Style casino tables, a silent auction
and a wine tasting.
Washington Redskins linebacker
London Fletcher launched “London’s
Brigade” in September to benefit the
underrepresented and underprivileged
students of Washington, D.C. The four-
month mentoring program kicked off on
Capitol Hill, where participants interacted
with congressional leaders. In October,
education was emphasized on a day trip
to the Smithsonian, while teamwork
was stressed in November as five teams,
comprised of five participants and one
Redskins player, worked to complete
different tasks for the Redskins’ Annual
Harvest Fest. Participants were then
rewarded with a finale party at the ESPN
Zone in December.
PAGE 27 WINTER 2009
 SUPER BOWL EVENTS

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NFL PLAYERS will once again partner with this year’s Super Bowl host city to
present the Stay Cool in School program, an annual curriculum-based initiative
impacting more than 22,000 students in Miami Dade County Public Schools.
Now in its 15th year, Stay Cool in School encourages fifth-grade students to
actively utilize the language arts while enhancing their creative writing skills.

MICHAEL CLAYTON & CLIFTON
SMITH/TAMPA BAY
Through Stay Cool in School, students submit essays on the topic of “My
Winning Moment” in which they describe a time when they experienced the thrill
of victory similar to that of their football heroes. Ten finalists will be selected by
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Camarillo, and each will receive the ultimate
prize: a visit to his or her classroom by NFL players on Monday, Feb. 1. Winners
and their classmates will also receive Stay Cool in School T-shirts and gifts for
their classroom.

The student with the highest essay score will be chosen from the top winners and named the Grand Prize Touchdown
Winner. The Touchdown Winner will be given the opportunity to act as a student reporter for NFLPLAYERS.COM and
Weekly Reader Magazine and conduct exclusive interviews with NFL players at a Super Bowl week event. The final article
will be published on the NFLPLAYERS.COM and Weekly Reader Web sites.

Sponsored by licensed trading card companies Upper Deck, Panini and Topps, Stay Cool in School is an initiative that
allows NFL PLAYERS to give back to the Super Bowl host community while highlighting its players as an integral part
of the organization’s corporate mission.

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READ ESIGN NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION – SUPER BOWL GOSPEL
READ ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATION
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READesign is a community build
program aimed at positively
impacting youth and renewing
community spirit by renovating
libraries in at-risk neighborhoods.
The libraries are reconstructed to offer
kids in Super Bowl host cities access
to new books, computer education,
new technology and year-round
programming opportunities. Current
and former players are “hands on”
in the renovation process and help
create an NFLPA legacy that will give
children the tools they need to read,
succeed and make a difference.
NFL players will provide reading inspiration
to students at several elementary schools
in South Florida to kick off Read Across
America, the NEA’s year-round literacy
campaign. NFL players will participate in
read-ins and other school activities and
classroom challenges to promote reading
enjoyment and imagination.
The 11th Annual Super Bowl Gospel
Celebration welcomes back the NFL
Players All-Star Choir, which features
some of the most musically talented
players in the league. The 32-member
choir will perform during the Super Bowl
Gospel Celebration weekend concert at
The James L. Knight Center on Friday,
Feb. 5 from 7:30–10:30 p.m.
Some of the biggest names in the
gospel and R&B music industry will
join the players for this event, including
Ce Ce Winans, Israel & New Breed,
and Fred Hammond & RFC, while
Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holiday
are among the invited special guests!
Visit www.superbowlgospel.com for
more information.

PAGE 28 WINTER 2009

 SUPER BOWL EVENTS

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Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the 2009 NFL season and kick off Super Bowl
weekend in style at the premiere of LOUNGE XLIV! The NFLPA-sponsored event will
be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 at a venue in downtown Miami. Open to all NFL players,
this invitation-only affair is the most exclusive ticket in town!

Active and retired players will receive event information in December, including instructions
on how to RSVP and be added to the guest list. Active players will receive the information
MIKE BOLEY/NEW YORK GIANTS &
by mail at their in-season addresses and in the locker room from their player representative. DEANGELO WILLIAMS/CAROLINA
Retired players can expect to receive the information by mail.

A^`W\b>V]\S/4`WS\R
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NFL PLAYERS and Sprint are once again teaming up to offer a memorable
mobile experience to fans attending Super Bowl XLIV. From Thursday, Feb. 4
through Saturday, Feb. 6, Sprint Phone-A-Friend at NFL PLAYERS Live! will
give fans the opportunity to have NFL stars call friends and family directly
from Sprint cell phones. Check out NFLPLAYERS.COM in January for
REGGIE WAYNE/INDIANAPOLIS, HANK BASKETT/ location details.
INDIANAPOLIS, MARIO WILLIAMS/HOUSTON

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TRAINING CAMP FOR LIFE SMOCKS & JOCKS JAZZ

BRUNCH & ART AUCTION

Training Camp for Life will take place on Artwork created by current and former
Monday, Feb. 1 at Kinloch Park Middle NFL players will be auctioned off during
School in Miami, Florida. The camp is the Smocks & Jocks Jazz Brunch on Saturday,
a character and life skills development Feb. 6 from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Casa
program designed to provide resources di Paolo, an estate on the exclusive gate-
and positive reinforcement to at-risk guarded Star Island. The creative abilities
students in order to help them deal with of NFL players will be highlighted in this
the real issues in their everyday lives. As special event which brings attention to the
part of the program, current and former arts and the sport of football. Ticket proceeds
NFL players team up with Learn It Cares, benefit the Gene Upshaw Players Assistance
the non-profit affiliate of Learn It Systems, Trust Fund and the VSA arts of Florida.
to share their experiences and use the
power of sports to connect with students
through positive leadership, education
and community service.

For more information about these and other NFLPA

outreach events, contact the NFLPA Membership
Services Department at (800) 372-2000.

PAGE 29 WINTER 2009

 NFL PLAYERS NEWS

1/@71/BC@3:7<3@3:3/A32

This fall, NFL PLAYERS announced the
release of the NFL PLAYERS Caricature
line, its first exclusively licensed collection.
The line features artistic images of current
NFL players, and the illustrations can be
found on a combination of T-shirts, mugs,
water bottles, school supplies and other
non-apparel products. The unique player
images are owned exclusively by NFL
PLAYERS and highlight player personalities
and individual elements reflective of the
markets in which they play.
“The objective of the Caricature line is to
showcase our players in a fresh setting,
enabling fans to more directly connect
with their favorite players as individual
personalities,” said Keith Gordon, Acting
President of NFL PLAYERS.
This line, which ranges from general
novelties to everyday items such as
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drinkware and T-shirts, was created Ronde Barber
specifically to address retailers’ increased
demand for licensed product,” said Tom Brady
Gordon. “The absence of additional league Drew Brees
royalties not only reduces the cost to the
manufacturer, but allows retailers to pass Chad Ochocinco
the extra savings along to their customers.” Jay Cutler
Select grocery and drug retailers have Brett Favre
already jumped at the chance to carry the Larry Fitzgerald
product, with orders placed by Walgreens,
Cub Foods and Kroger, among others. Brandon Jacobs
NFL PLAYERS commissioned Peter Green Andre Johnson
Design to create all of the unique imagery,
retained Retail Sales Solutions as the Peyton Manning
exclusive distributor of the Caricatures
Carson Palmer
and Pro Specialties Group will serve
as the licensee for much of the initial Chad Pennington
product assortment.
Adrian Peterson
Aaron Rodgers
Ben Roethlisberger
Tony Romo

Matt Ryan

Mark Sanchez

Brian Urlacher
Brian Westbrook

PAGE 30 WINTER 2009

 NFL PLAYERS NEWS

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NFL PLAYERS and ESPN partner
throughout the year to bring exclusive
content to fans. This season, syndicated
online games, a players-only fantasy
football league and radio interviews
highlighted the partnership.

+ NFL PLAYERS and ESPN collaborated this fall to bring online

ESPN Arcade games to NFLPLAYERS.COM. A combination
of syndicated and customized games, including Concentration,”
“Jigsaw,” “QB Assault” and “Zoom,” featuring images from
NFL PLAYERS properties and events, offers users a whole new
experience when they play their favorite games. Players can opt
to find the differences between two seemingly identical photos
of Jared Allen (Minnesota), help the NFL PLAYERS Caricatures
get to the end zone or piece together a puzzle to reveal Drew
Brees (New Orleans).

+ For the first time, ESPN.COM served as the official host of

the NFL PLAYERS Fantasy League. All league standings and
results were available to the general public via the ESPN.COM
fantasy football home page. In addition, ESPN.COM provided
live updates on scores and transactions, and NFLPLAYERS.
COM offered exclusive feature articles and videos created by
the players in the league.

+ Throughout the season, NFLPLAYERS.COM has streamed

ESPN’s top-rated radio shows online: Mike and Mike, Football
Today and Fantasy Focus Football. This unique offering gives
visitors to NFLPLAYERS.COM additional access to their
favorite players and insight into the game.

+ Through an exclusive partnership with ESPN, Larry Fitzgerald

(Arizona) became the face and voice of the top-rated online source
for fantasy football. Fitzgerald participated in live chats with fans,
podcasts with ESPN’s fantasy gurus, and has plans to take
part in a Meet and Greet with one lucky ESPN.COM fantasy
football user at the Super Bowl. NFL PLAYERS provided ESPN
with imagery of Fitzgerald to be used throughout the season to
promote the partnership.

PAGE 31 WINTER 2009


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“NFL PLAYERS Helmets Off: Fantasy ’09” aired on FSN in September to kick off the
2009 season. For the third straight year, NFL PLAYERS gave fans the opportunity to take
an exclusive look as seven NFL PLAYERS and one lucky fan picked and traded their way
through the most exciting fantasy draft on the Web.
AARON CURRY/SEATTLE SHOWS OFF THE
SPACE NEEDLE IN HIS NEW HOMETOWN.
BRENDON AYANBADEJO/BALTIMORE
GETS IN SOME CROSS TRAINING IN
THE MMA RING.
ROOKIES RAMSES BARDEN/NEW YORK
GIANTS AND SHONNE GREEN/NEW YORK
JETS CATCH UP WHILE ADJUSTING TO LIFE
IN THE NFL AND IN THE BIG APPLE.
MATT FORTÉ/CHICAGO IS HIGHLIGHTED
DURING THE FANTASY ’09 DRAFT.
PAGE 32 WINTER 2009
NFL PLAYERS NEWS
In September 2009, NFL PLAYERS launched the sixth season of
the award-winning “NFL PLAYERS Helmets Off” television series.
The monthly TV specials, presented by EA SPORTS and Reebok,
give fans an inside look at the daily lives of NFL players and find
out what goes on behind the scenes when the helmets come off.
This year, Ronnie Brown (Miami), Matt Forté (Chicago), Robbie Gould (Chicago), Leon
Washington (New York Jets), DeAngelo Williams (Carolina) and Roy Williams (Dallas)
were among the players joining defending champion Cato June (Chicago) in vying for
league supremacy. Adding a new twist to the league was longtime fantasy football fanatic
Dave Stasinski, who earned the final owner slot after winning the NFLPLAYERS.COM
Fantasy ’08 Pick ‘Em Promotion.
Throughout the month of October, the series aired its second episode, “NFL PLAYERS
Helmets Off: Rookie Premiere.” The show revealed how Everette Brown (Carolina) spent
his 2009 Draft Day, took a hometown tour with Kenny Britt (Tennessee) and Jason Smith
(St. Louis) and watched Aaron Curry (Seattle) tackle the world-famous Pike Place Fish
Market. Also featured throughout the show were interviews with a variety of names from
the 2009 rookie class, which were captured at the annual NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere
in Los Angeles.
The season’s third installment, “NFL PLAYERS Helmets Off: Off-Season Adventure”
caught up with Brendon Ayanbadejo (Baltimore) as he jumped in the Mixed Martial
Arts ring, went trackside with Jake Delhomme (Carolina) at his family’s horse ranch and
traveled to Tokyo to watch Paul Spicer educate Japanese students on the finer points of
his defensive tackling technique.
In the December chapter of the series, “NFL PLAYERS Helmets Off: Fashion Forward,” the
cameras go behind the scenes as Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) gets a wardrobe update
from Project Runway’s Kevin Christiana, Ben Utecht and the Dallas O-Line perform for
their hometowns, and Ramses Barden (New York Giants) and Shonn Greene (New York Jets)
talk about being rookies in the city that never sleeps.
But the season’s not over yet, so please check your local listings and tune in for the final
two episodes of the “Helmets Off ” series in January and February 2010. Kyle Vanden
Bosch (Tennessee), Dhani Jones (Cincinnati) and Israel Idonije (Chicago) put a new twist on
community service in January, while February’s program features Atlanta Falcons players
hitting the bowling lanes, Bear Pascoe (New York Giants) revealing his roping skills at his
Porterville, Calif. ranch and Danieal Manning (Chicago) partaking in one amazing race.
Additional sponsors of the “NFL PLAYERS Helmets Off ” series include: Fanhouse.com,
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Pepsi and Turner Licensing.
 NFL PLAYERS NEWS

MOTOROLA PRESENTS

D

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THE WORLD’S FIRST
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friends, feeds, posts, tweets, emails and more
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Follow Motorola on twitter.com/MotoMobile.

You can follow OCNN on twitter.com/OGOchoCinco.
Of course, if you don’t tune in, you might as well
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Chad Ochocinco and Motorola teamed up to take social networking to the next
level with the debut of OCNN—the Ochocinco News Network. The nation’s
first athlete-operated social media news network provides fans with exclusive
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Motorola’s MOTOBLUR technology brings together social networks, contacts
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and news feeds into one convenient interface. Stay up to date with Ochocinco and
NFL PLAYERS is a trademark of National Football League Players Incorporated.
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A<9%;7
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KFC and EA SPORTS partnered this fall to bring fans the $5 Madden NFL Box, which
featured Madden NFL imagery of Calvin Johnson Jr. (Detroit), Philip Rivers (San Diego),
DeMarcus Ware (Dallas) and Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia). The code on the side of
the $5 Madden NFL Box also gives gamers a $10 discount on Madden NFL 10 and free
standard shipping from http://eastore.ea.com. NFL PLAYERS helped create this fan-
centric experience by providing KFC and Madden NFL 10 with the rights to use player
names and likenesses in this promotion. Learn more at www.kfc.com/MaddenNFL10.

>

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Troy Polamalu became the official North American spokesperson for Head & Shoulders,
and www.TroyTacklesMore.com was launched to kick off the partnership. A well-known
trademark, Polamalu’s hair is a tribute to his Samoan roots and serves as his culture’s
representation of power and strength. The campaign, which debuted this past September,
includes a series of television commercials and a partnership with Operation Once in a
Lifetime, a non-profit organization dedicated to making the dreams of soldiers come true.
Visit www.TroyTacklesMore.com to learn more about Troy and Head & Shoulders.

PAGE 33 WINTER 2009


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& Chapter Presidents Convene in D.C.
DEMAURICE SMITH WITH STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
AT THE 2009 RETIRED PLAYERS CONVENTION
In October, the NFLPA Retired Players Steering
Committee, the Retired Players Chapter Presidents,
and staff members from the Players Association
convened in Washington to address various issues
related to the collective bargaining negotiations,
dementia reports and other lingering concerns
regarding retired players.
“As the true representatives of former players
of the NFL, this group understood the
importance of the meeting and the issues
discussed as we move forward in collective
bargaining with the NFL owners,” NFLPA
Director of Retired Players Andre Collins
said. “The retired players recognize that
they are part of the leadership of today’s
players who bargain for improved benefits
on behalf of the players of the NFL, past
and present.”
One of the hot topics of discussion for the
39-person Player Committee focused on a
PAGE 34 WINTER 2009


recent release of the University of Michigan
Report detailing the early onset of dementia
in NFL players.
“The new study about dementia is scary,
but what irritates me is that for years, the
NFL has ignored the numerous studies that
appeared to say exactly the same thing,”
said Steering Committee member and
former San Diego Charger Reggie Berry.
The group, which constitutes the senior
leadership of retired players, also addressed
the current status of the collective
RETIRED PLAYERS NEWS
bargaining negotiations and discussed the
impact of an uncapped year next season
and the threat of a lockout in 2011.
“Sometimes I think that the owners forget
what the NFL really means,” Berry added.
“We, the players, are what fans come to
see. The original owners shared revenue to
grow the League, but as owners’ pockets
have gotten fatter, players still don’t have
guaranteed contracts, and those lucky
enough to play at least three years only
get five years of health care. Current and
former players have to stand together to
move forward, and right now they want us
and the current players to go backwards.”
The dialogue among the representatives
proved to be a step forward in the
relationship between the union and retired
players, as a number of resolutions were
passed by the Steering Committee and
Chapter Presidents.
In addition to recognizing the newly
created NFLPA Concussion and Traumatic
Brain Injury Committee, the group
pledged to work with new NFL Alumni
Association President George Martin
and called upon him to join the NFL
Retired Players Organization in embracing
traumatic brain injury studies formerly
rejected by the NFL. The members also
reiterated their call for NFL owners to
release audited financial statements and for
the league to release to the NFLPA Retired
Players Organization and the NFLPA the
aggregated medical data it collects and
provides to research universities.
The NFLPA Retired Players Organization
also renewed their resolution passed in
2008 to support all active players in the
CBA negotiations.
“We pledged to support, advise and assist the
current players in their negotiations,” said
Mike McBath, President of the Orlando
Chapter and former Buffalo Bill. “We have
been through these wars, battled the owners
in the past and fought for free agency, and
though the faces and names have changed,
we are ONE TEAM.”
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Former DB Finds Success in
Latest Calling
BY HEATH SMITH
TERRY HOAGE
Although former Philadelphia Eagle Terry Hoage doesn’t consider
himself a true Renaissance man, his résumé would suggest otherwise.
A scholar (graduated from the University of Georgia in 1985 with a B.S.
in Genetics with a 3.85 GPA), an athlete (named two-time All-American
defensive back at Georgia before a 13-year career in the NFL), a financier
(interned at Merrill Lynch and received his Series 7 license allowing him
to sell stocks and bonds) and a builder (owned a home construction
business in the Phoenix area), Hoage has amassed an extensive list of
career accomplishments. Yet for the former NFL defensive back, his
work is still unfinished.
Hoage’s latest incarnation: winemaker.
In 2002, he and his wife Jennifer purchased a 26-acre vineyard in Paso
Robles, Calif., which now serves as the headquarters for Terry Hoage
Vineyards. Though relatively new to the industry, Hoage has already
begun to make his mark, with the vineyard producing an estimated
2,000 cases of wine each year.
“Selling your wine is an indication of success,” Hoage said. “We sell out
every year. We have gotten good reviews and our wines have scored
PAGE 36 WINTER 2009
RETIRED PLAYERS NEWS
very high. We feel confident putting our wine up against any
other wine in the world.”
While winemaking may seem to have little connection to
his previous careers, Hoage has called upon his acquired
knowledge from each venture to help in his current endeavor.
The chemistry and botany courses he took in college have
come in handy in figuring out how to grow his grape crops
and understanding what grape blend would make the best
tasting wine. Hoage also utilized his construction skills to
build the actual winery and create his own grape press, while
his background in finance was helpful in developing a
business model and managing the company.
Even Hoage’s football pedigree has played a role in the
development of the vineyard. The Hedge, The 46, The Pick
and The Skins are all wines that the vineyard produces in a
nod to Hoage’s playing days.
The Hedge is named after the famed hedges that surround
the football field at the University of Georgia, while The
46 is named after the defensive scheme devised by former
Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Buddy Ryan, for whom
he played from 1986 to 1990. The Pick is named after
interceptions, of which he collected 21 during his NFL
career, and The Skins is named after the Washington
Redskins, the team he won a Super Bowl with in 1991.
Like many former NFL players, Hoage’s transition from the
field to retirement after a 13-year career was not easy at first.
“I didn’t play football for the money or the cheers,” Hoage said.
“The thing that brought me the most joy playing football was
the acceptance from my peers. Finding that outside of football
is what helps a player transition to life after the NFL.”
Hoage didn’t find that acceptance while selling stocks
and bonds or building houses, but he is now finding it in
wine-making.
“We are all very competitive in this business,” Hoage said.
“We’re all trying to make a wine better than the next person.
You don’t have 60,000 people standing up cheering for you,
but you still get the respect of those in the business and that
is just as important.”
Hoage credited the NFL Players Association for helping
him get his internship with Merrill Lynch and said he hopes
more players use the union’s resources to open doors to new
opportunities that will help them transition into their post-
playing careers.
“I continue to learn,” Hoage said. “I like learning and I have
always done a variety of things. I was ready to move on when
my time came. I had done football, but it didn’t define me.”
For more information on Terry Hoage Vineyards,
visit www.terryhoagevineyards.com.
 RETIRED PLAYERS NEWS

WHO IS NCS
SA?
Since 2000, National Collegiate Scouting Association has quickly grown to be
the leading provider of college recruiting education. Through various educational
resources found on their website, www.ncsasports.org, and more than 2,000
ANDR
RE COLLIN
NS presentations of the critically acclaimed seminar “College Recruiting Simplified,”
Director of NFLPA the organization has helped millions of aspiring student athletes and their families
Retired Players
understand the realities of the college recruiting process and tips on how to
maximize their athletic scholarship potential. NCSA offers extended recruiting
services to qualified student-athletes committed to pursuing collegiate athletics.
Based on NCSA’s relationships with more than 35,000 college coaches and
expertise in the recruiting process, over 90 percent of the athletes who qualify
for NCSA’s extended services play football collegiately and average over
$17,000 per year in financial assistance.

“What a won
nderful orrgan
niz
zatiion.
No organization in 2009 has be een
n mo
oree supp
portivve
to the players of the
e NFL than
n NCSA.””

NCSA & the NFLP

PA
Through the efforts of former Dallas Cowboy Izell
Reese, NCSA has recruited more than 30 former
NFL players to join our team. In total, NCSA employs
former players and executives who have nearly
200 years of NFL experience. With their expertise
about the collegiate recruiting process, which
paved the way for their professional careers, former
NFL players are ideal candidates to join NCSA’s
celebrated Recruiting Expert Roster and Scouting
Team. More information regarding employment
opportunities for NCSA can be located on the
From Left to Right Back Row: Cecil Martin, Je’Mone Smith, Stalin Colinet, Paul Putnam
NFLPA Job Board at www.nflplayers.com. Front Row Left to Right: Izell Reese, Joe Burns, Chris Krause (President & CEO of NCSA),
Tony Collins, Howard Stevens and Kelvin Garmon

Based on a close pa artnership witth NCSA A , current and

former NFL players have the opportunity to nominate a friend or family member
for a grant into the NCSA’s Program.

CALL NCSA at 312.205.7464 to learn more.

*Family members must be approved through a NCAA qualifying application

To learn why so many former NFL players want to be a part of our team,
email former Dallas Cowboy Izell Reese at ireese@ncsasports.org

WWW.NCSASPORTS.ORG WWW.NCSASPORTS.ORG

PAGE 37 WINTER 2009


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Dallas Chapter Builds “Holiday House”
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
BEFORE
As part of their annual “Holiday House”
program, members of the NFLPA Retired
Players Dallas Chapter recently extended
their helping hands to resurrect the
condemned home of a 71-year-old disabled
woman in West Dallas. The Chapter,
which partners with the City of Dallas’
Department of Housing “People Helping
People” initiative, has been building new
homes for disadvantaged families in their
community since 1997.
“As a chapter we wanted to look at what we
could do to help. A lot of people have golf
tournaments where you raise money for a
particular charity, but then you don’t get
immediate results,” Chapter Vice President
and former Kansas City linebacker Ken
Jolly said. “We wanted something that
would unfold under our eyes, something
you could see.”
For this year’s event, the group donated
their time and energy to build a new home
for Georgia Freeman, a retired school bus
driver who raised five children in the same
house over the last 45 years. During that
time, the house slowly fell into disrepair
due to a leaking and collapsing roof, and
the structure was deemed a hazard after the
city determined the cost of repairs would
exceed replacement.
PAGE 38 WINTER 2009
RETIRED PLAYERS NEWS
AFTER
“Typically we have always tried to focus on hard hats and went to work, erecting the
families with children, but this particular structure and filling it with new appliances
woman touched us,” Jolly said. “She raised from dawn until dusk.
five kids and half of the other kids in the
neighborhood, so we felt that she needed “I think that giving back to the community
the help.” in a positive matter is at the heart of what
we are all about,” Jolly added. “From a
After a fall 18 years ago, Freeman had standpoint of an organization of retired
trouble moving around the house and players, there are a lot of guys who are
was forced to rely on a cane and interested in the benefits, like ‘What’s in
wheelchair to get around. But her new it for me?’ Here, the leaders of this chapter
home, which was the 11th house built want to change that focus to ‘How can
by the Chapter, was designed to be I help?’”
completely wheelchair-accessible.
In order to accommodate the hefty
expense needed to complete the project,
the retired players tapped into a federal
grant provided to the recipient through
the city and received contributions from
generous architects, engineers, construction
workers and building-material companies.
Spearheaded by former Philadelphia punter
and custom homebuilder John Teltschik,
the Chapter’s members then turned to
charitable contractors and laborers to help
convert the dilapidated structure into a
dream home.
Over a span of three days in mid-November,
the dedicated group of former players
and a number of volunteers donned their MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS
RETIRED PLAYERS CHAPTER
 COACHES NEWS

“The other things clubs have been trying

to work into their coaching contracts is
a bigger reduction if the lockout extends
beyond a period of time, with some clubs
even looking to have the right to terminate
the contract,” Sheehy said. “Specifically, a
high number of clubs have the termination
option if the lockout should extend beyond
60 to 90 days.”

Some teams, however, have been reasonable

with their coaches. The Buffalo Bills, for
instance, would reduce salaries to 70
percent in the event of a lockout, but would
give their coaches an opportunity to earn
back a percentage of the lost income for
each game played once the season resumes.

“A coach’s salary for 2011 is irrelevant

BE9AEKJ
9B7KI;I
if he won’t collect it during a lockout,”

Cordell said. “Instead, what becomes more
important is the language determining how
in Coaches’ 2011 Contracts much of that salary the coach will be paid
BY HEATH SMITH or what options the coach will be given
in the event of a work stoppage. From my
experience in negotiating with nine teams
NFL coaches may not be able to afford standing on the sidelines of the ongoing last year, the language ranged from fair to
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between NFL owners and the extremely unfavorable to coaches.”
NFLPA much longer.
Kennan said many coaches are not aware
Owners have begun inserting clauses in the contracts of coaches that would allow them to of these clauses because they haven’t
reduce coaches’ salaries up to 50 percent if owners decide to lock players out after the current negotiated their contracts for the potential
CBA expires in March 2011. Some of the clauses in the contracts would even allow owners lockout year, and believes it may be time
to terminate or suspend the contracts of coaches in the event of a lockout. for coaches to start taking actions for
themselves as a unified group.
NFL Coaches Association Staff Director Larry Kennan has found these clauses perplexing,
considering the owners approached head coaches at the league meetings in March about “When the players had issues with
standing shoulder to shoulder with them in their labor dispute with the players. However the management, the only way they were able
owners then voted to make the pension, the 401(k) and the current supplemental retirement to make change was by standing together,
plan for coaches non-mandatory for clubs. and now we have to do the same thing
in our fight,” Kennan said. “How can we
“How can the owners expect us to stand with them in their battle when they are proposing coach our players about the importance of
drastic reductions in our pay and to eradicate our pension?” Kennan said. “We as coaches solidarity and working together as one if we
have to be organized and stand on these issues in order to make any headway.” don’t practice it?”

Coaches Inc. President Dennis Cordell also recognized the significance of the ongoing NFL coaches have traditionally been viewed
negotiations to the coaching community. “More now than ever, coaches need to protect as being part of management when it comes
themselves,” he said. “Look at the cost-cutting actions of the owners over the past few years. to labor issues. The decision by owners
They’re threatening to lock out the players, and they’ve eliminated the coaches’ league-wide to allow coaching pensions to be cut and
healthcare and pension plan, effectively preventing young coaches from ever qualifying for to include lockout clauses in coaching
the Rule of 75. Coaches can expect this disturbing trend to continue if they don’t take a contracts, however, have some believing it
more active role in their own contract negotiations.” is time for coaches to have a different view
of themselves.
According to Paul Sheehy, president of ProStar Sports Agency, the Washington Redskins
have clauses in coaching contracts that would allow them to reduce salaries up to 50
percent during a lockout, while other teams have clauses that have a flat 25 percent
reduction. Denver’s version of a lockout clause, meanwhile, guarantees the first six months
of a coach’s contract. Beyond six months, coaches must then renegotiate their contract or
risk having it terminated.

PAGE 39 WINTER 2009


BE9A;H
HEEC

HEKD:KF >EB?:7O
;:?J?ED
BY ELI FITCH
I loved getting video games as a holiday gift
because we used to play them 24 hours a
day when we were kids. It was either video
games or my basketball hoop.
Bernard Berrian I Minnesota
I remember playing in a Madden tournament
with some young fan and getting my butt
kicked. I couldn’t believe it; the kid was only
about 12 years old. He was talking a bunch
of smack and ended up winning in the very
last second.
Dwan Edwards I Baltimore
When I was younger, my favorite present was
a teenage mutant ninja turtle. I was so pumped
because this turtle was all four of them. He
could turn into the blue, red, orange or purple
turtle, and it came with all the weapons. But
Leonardo was my favorite… he was a pretty
solid-looking turtle dude.
DeAngelo Williams I Carolina
My favorite holiday tradition would be
Thanksgiving because you take the time
to reflect on what you’re thankful for.
Vonta Leach I Houston
PAGE 40 WINTER 2009
LOCKER ROOM ROUNDUP
Since we’ve had our daughters, my favorite
holiday tradition has been waking up Christmas
morning to watch my girls open their gifts and
really just see the excitement in their faces.
It’s only been a few years but it’s definitely a
tradition that we’ve started.
Chris Kelsay I Buffalo
I was once doing the Lambeau leap, and
some guy spilled his beer all over me. It was
gross but cool and it was a pretty memorable
fan moment.
Spencer Havner I Green Bay
Recently, this guy showed up with my jersey
on, some Studebaker suspenders and a
Studebaker hat from the car company that
I’m related to. He had a Studebaker car and
was a fanatic of the Studebaker family. He
was probably the most unique fan I’ve seen.
Andy Studebaker I Kansas City
When I was eight years old, I asked for a
football and I asked to play in the NFL. I was
drafted when I was 22, so 14 years later I
got the best Christmas gift I’ve ever asked
for. It took 14 years for Santa to bring it.
Mike Karney I St. Louis
 One Team.
One Locker Room.
One Voice.

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