Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BB 2
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
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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
4 28 16
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HIT THE They wore dress shoes instead of cleats and walked
down corridors instead of running yards on the field.
HALLWAYS OF But for the 19 NFL players who visited Capitol Hill in
U.S. CAPITOL July, it was all part of the game plan.
BY MELANIE KAPLAN
“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.”
The 14 active and five retired players met with more than a dozen
members of Congress over eight hours, including Representative Nancy
NFL PLAYERS ON THE STEPS OF THE CAPITOL
KD?EDIKD?J; “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 Worker Solidarity for being such good friends to us in the past and to commit to
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO 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.”
During his stop in Pittsburgh
With the partnership, the unions will collaborate on efforts to build
for the 2009 NFL Kickoff, NFLPA
power for workers, cooperate on legislative and political efforts, and
Executive Director DeMaurice create a stronger bond between all labor unions. The meeting was
Smith visited with members of the first of a series of discussions aimed at building unity between
the NFLPA and blue collar workers across the nation.
the United Steelworkers (USW) to
announce a strategic partnership “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
between the two organizations to solidarity events,” USW International President Leo W. Gerard said
build union-to-union solidarity. during the visit. “It doesn’t matter whether you work on the shop
DEMAURICE SMITH
DEMAURICE SMITH & FORMER TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS PRESIDENT GAY CULVERHOUSE
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Gives Testimony on Head Injuries
BY MIKE DONNELLY & JILANE RODGERS
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 Although some lawmakers stated that legislative action may be
those who play and have played this game,” Smith said. “There is no necessary to properly address the issue, both Smith and Goodell
interest greater than their health and safety. Let me say this again: noted the need for the union and the league to become the leading
Safety of the players is paramount.” voices in football about head injuries. Each acknowledged the
For years, the issue of head injuries has been an ongoing problem need to promptly identify and implement measures that can be
in sports but has only recently received much public attention. taken to minimize the risks of concussion and brain trauma and
Smith, who was elected to the union’s top post by the NFLPA the long-lasting effects associated with those issues.
Board of Player Representatives in March, explained to members
of Congress that the players association has taken several steps to Rep. John Conyers, Jr., (D-Mich.) the chairman of the House
address the issue. Judiciary Committee, used these testimonies as a springboard
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 their sons Justin and Daniel, featured the Smith explained to guests in attendance
to honor the name, the legacy and the unveiling of the new building name, 63 that the building’s new name represented
achievements of the great Gene Upshaw,” Upshaw Place @ 1133 20th Street, in Upshaw’s legacy.
Shell said. honor of Upshaw’s 25 years of service
as Executive Director of the union. “Today we resolve in this dedication that
Shell went on to describe the many as we work in this building, as our players
achievements Gene accomplished as During his tenure, Upshaw negotiated come back to this building, as our men who
the union’s leader and noted the fact collective bargaining agreements that played this game yesterday and will play
that Upshaw would have been humbled ultimately led to free agency, higher this game tomorrow come to this building,
by this special recognition and the salaries, revenue sharing and other we will take our history, we will learn its
outpouring of support. lessons, we will honor our heroes and we
significant player benefits. He served
as the union leader until succumbing will continue to write our legacy for those
“If he were here, you know what he would who, with honor and pride, will come after
to pancreatic cancer in August 2008.
say?” said Shell, in front of an audience us,” Smith said.
of Upshaw’s family members, friends and
“Gene Upshaw is inextricably tied to
former colleagues. ‘Art, what are they Several exterior alterations were made to
our past,” NFLPA Executive Director
doing? I don’t need this.’ Well, my friend, the building, including a 63 Upshaw Place
whether you want it or not, you have DeMaurice Smith said. “For 25 years,
sign and a GU sidewalk medallion, both
earned this honor and you’ve got it.” Gene Upshaw continued to write in
positioned at the building’s entrance. In
a ledger, a history penned by those who addition, two large bronze sculptures—one
The culmination of the event, which was wrote in the same ledger before him… of Gene as a player and one of him as a
attended by Upshaw’s widow Terri and His ledger is our future.” union leader—stand mirroring each other on
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to MLK Memorial
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
“
“ Gene was both an extraordinary
leader and the ultimate team player.
Paul Tagliabue
Former NFL Commissioner
CLARK GAINES PRESENTS THE UPSHAW “I know that this building is Gene’s version of a home for the
FAMILY WITH A COMMEMORATIVE GIFT
players and for the staff, and that they can come together and
can accomplish all the things necessary and needed for this
the walls of the lobby, and a six-screen video wall was installed. organization,” Gaines said. “So I know that today Gene is
Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue described the union looking down on us with tremendous pride.”
headquarters as a locker room for Upshaw’s team.
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.
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
'
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
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I didn’t necessarily understand how we got our benefits or why The biggest thing to communicate to my teammates is the
we had the benefits that we did. My teammates knew that I was importance of saving money. I tell guys to put money away
interested in understanding why we had what we had, what and don’t make purchases that you may have thought you
makes our benefit plans so good, why it is so important that we were going to do, like a bigger house, more cars or all those
have a 401(k) and why we would give up salary for those things. things that sometimes come along with money and being
As I began to learn, I wanted to share that with the guys and let young. Also, understand where you are in your free agency
them understand why things happen the way they do and what timeline and when it is the time for you to be able to hit the
decisions were made to get us where we are now. market. All those things are very important issues that guys
need to understand.
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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.
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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
& DEMAURICE SMITH
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BY HEATH SMITH
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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
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.”
“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.”
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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
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.
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<?D7D9?7BB;7HD?D=9;DJ;H BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
“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.
Dana Hammonds
NFLPA Director of Financial Programs
& Advisor Administration
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Prepares Players for
Post-NFL Careers
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.
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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
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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
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B
his announcement comes as Monitronics presents its
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our players to instantly view live video outside and inside your
home, as well as controlling your home security system from
any smartphone.”
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Keep Players in the Game
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
RON CARPENTER
The passion for football never dies— with the NFLPA/NCAA program last year at Bridgewater
College in Virginia. “Anyone who is a player, retired player,
at least not for former St. Louis Ram or someone thinking about retiring—if you have a passion
Ron Carpenter. for football and you want to keep it going, then give the
internship a shot,” Moore said. “It really opens your eyes to
With the help of an internship from the NFLPA/NCAA Coaching a whole other side of football you never really thought of.”
Internship Program, the former NFL defensive back was given an
opportunity this season to get back on the field, even after hanging For Carpenter, the positive experience can also be reflective of
up his helmet and cleats. As the Assistant Coach for Defensive Backs, a coaching staff full of NFL ties. “We have a commonality and
Carpenter became the newest addition to the Central State University we speak the same language,” Carpenter said. “The coaching
Marauders football team. experience could not have been any greater. We are all on the
same page [and] we all come from the same school, which is
“I’ve been coaching at my old high school for the past six years, but the school of the NFL.”
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 The NFLPA/NCAA Coaching Internship Program is part of
through the NFLPA, I jumped on it.” an ongoing NFLPA initiative to assist players in preparing for
their post-playing careers. Applicants are required to submit
The NFLPA/NCAA Coaching Internship Program was created in 2006 a letter explaining why they want the internship, what would
by the NFLPA, NFL, NCAA and American Football Coaches make them a good coach and how the experience would fit
Association. It was initially created to provide additional experience into their career goals.
to retired players who interned with NFL Europe, but after the league
ceased operation in 2007, it became the primary program to aid former For more information about the program, please contact the NFLPA
players hoping to break into coaching. Player Development Department at (800) 372-2000.
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
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FHE=H7C NOW AVAILABLE
Applications for the 2010 NFL Business Management and financial analysis, entrepreneurship, real estate
Entrepreneurial Program are now available on NFLPLAYERS.COM. development, stock market investing, negotiation skills,
The Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the risk management and community reinvestment.
University of Pennsylvania will once again open their doors to active
and retired NFL players during the month of February. Player enrollment is based on one’s level of education,
professional business experience and interest in starting,
The program at Harvard will be held Feb. 15-19 and will emphasize owning or managing a business, as well as leadership and
entrepreneurial opportunities and business management. The community involvement. For more information about the
Wharton School will host its program from Feb.16-19 and will program, please contact the NFLPA Player Development
focus on a broad range of business topics, including the following: 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.
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
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Offers are restricted to active and former NFL Players and NFLPA employees only.
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for “All-Fundamentals Team”
BY ALEX FINK
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President Obama in Call to Service
BY MIKE DONNELLY & JILANE RODGERS
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Lets Youth Play Games & Set Goals
BY MELANIE KAPLAN Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Charlie
Batch hosted his third annual “In the
Eight-year-old Dominic, from the Zuni “The goal is to send the message to Native Pocket” fundraiser at J. Verno Studios in
Tribe in New Mexico, was the youngest American youth that developing healthy Pittsburgh in mid-November. Proceeds
participant in the football workshop last lifestyles, educational goals and leadership from the event benefited reading and
June at the 13th Annual Native Vision skills are a continuing and evolving process computer literacy programs for his Best
Sports & Life Skills Camp. But that that will become the foundation for their of Batch Foundation. Teammates William
didn’t stop him from playing the game success,” NFLPA Assistant Executive Gay, Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward
he loves so much. Director Clark Gaines said. were among the NFL players who joined
guests for a night of pool, ping-pong and
“My favorite part of the Native Vision Native Vision is a national youth poker, in addition to a silent auction
Camp is that I can finally tackle enrichment and empowerment initiative featuring Pittsburgh sports memorabilia.
someone,” Dominic said. As for his operated by the Johns Hopkins Center
long-term goals, he wants to play for for American Indian Health in partnership Jacksonville Jaguars running back
the Washington Redskins. with the NFLPA. The program began as a Maurice Jones-Drew teamed up with
football camp for 100 children in 1996, and Winn-Dixie in November to deliver
has since grown exponentially through the turkeys and trimmings to 50 local families.
support of community-based organizations. In partnership with the Family Support
Since its inception, Native Vision has Services of North Florida’s Family
served more than 2,000 families and Preservation Program, Jones-Drew also
26,000 Native youth and tribal members. provided a Thanksgiving meal to 35
families at the Homeless Coalition in
NFL players are among the core
St. Augustine.
professional athletes at the camp,
conducting sports clinics and providing Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
positive mentorship and encouragement Michael Clayton hosted his first annual
for the campers. Casino Gala Event in October to benefit
the Clayton Generation Next Foundation,
“My favorite part was getting along with the
which equips underprivileged children
other Natives that come from all over the
with the tools they need for a successful
NATIVE VISION SPORTS & LIFE SKILLS country,” said 15-year-old camper George,
CAMP PARTICIPANTS
from the Ho-Chunk Tribe in Wisconsin. future. Alongside other celebrity athletes,
“Plus, there’s professional football players Clayton and his guests took part in Las
teaching us how to play ball, and I like Vegas Style casino tables, a silent auction
when they let us hit the tackling dummy!” and a wine tasting.
To raise funds for the program, the NFLPA Washington Redskins linebacker
hosted the 14th Annual “Evening with London Fletcher launched “London’s
the Stars” event in early December at the Brigade” in September to benefit the
Embassy of Italy. Hosted by Washington underrepresented and underprivileged
Redskins great Brian Mitchell, the students of Washington, D.C. The four-
annual gala featured traditional Native month mentoring program kicked off on
entertainment as well as live and silent Capitol Hill, where participants interacted
Held on the White Mountain Apache auctions featuring one-of-a-kind sports with congressional leaders. In October,
Reservation in Whiteriver, Ariz., the memorabilia and American Indian art. education was emphasized on a day trip
camp offered 700 Native American youth Proceeds from the event will benefit the to the Smithsonian, while teamwork
from across the country the opportunity 2010 Sports & Life Skills Camp, which was stressed in November as five teams,
to participate in football, basketball, will be held June 10–12 at the Santa Fe comprised of five participants and one
soccer, running, volleyball and lacrosse Indian School in Santa Fe, N.M. Redskins player, worked to complete
clinics led by 60 professional athletes. different tasks for the Redskins’ Annual
The sports clinics were interspersed For more information on the NFLPA’s
Harvest Fest. Participants were then
with breakout sessions and workshops Native Vision partnership, please contact Jackie
rewarded with a finale party at the ESPN
designed by Johns Hopkins health experts Shearer at the NFLPA at 202-756-9120 or
Zone in December.
Jackie.Shearer@nflplayers.com.
to promote discipline, teamwork and the
pursuit of education.
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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.
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
MICHAEL CLAYTON & CLIFTON and their classmates will also receive Stay Cool in School T-shirts and gifts for
SMITH/TAMPA BAY 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 NFL players will provide reading inspiration The 11th Annual Super Bowl Gospel
program aimed at positively to students at several elementary schools Celebration welcomes back the NFL
impacting youth and renewing in South Florida to kick off Read Across Players All-Star Choir, which features
community spirit by renovating America, the NEA’s year-round literacy some of the most musically talented
libraries in at-risk neighborhoods. campaign. NFL players will participate in players in the league. The 32-member
The libraries are reconstructed to offer read-ins and other school activities and choir will perform during the Super Bowl
kids in Super Bowl host cities access classroom challenges to promote reading Gospel Celebration weekend concert at
to new books, computer education, enjoyment and imagination. The James L. Knight Center on Friday,
new technology and year-round Feb. 5 from 7:30–10:30 p.m.
programming opportunities. Current
Some of the biggest names in the
and former players are “hands on”
gospel and R&B music industry will
in the renovation process and help
join the players for this event, including
create an NFLPA legacy that will give
Ce Ce Winans, Israel & New Breed,
children the tools they need to read,
and Fred Hammond & RFC, while
succeed and make a difference.
Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holiday
are among the invited special guests!
Visit www.superbowlgospel.com for
more information.
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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.
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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
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.
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This fall, NFL PLAYERS announced the drinkware and T-shirts, was created Ronde Barber
release of the NFL PLAYERS Caricature specifically to address retailers’ increased
line, its first exclusively licensed collection. demand for licensed product,” said Tom Brady
The line features artistic images of current Gordon. “The absence of additional league Drew Brees
NFL players, and the illustrations can be royalties not only reduces the cost to the
found on a combination of T-shirts, mugs, manufacturer, but allows retailers to pass Chad Ochocinco
water bottles, school supplies and other the extra savings along to their customers.” Jay Cutler
non-apparel products. The unique player
images are owned exclusively by NFL Select grocery and drug retailers have Brett Favre
PLAYERS and highlight player personalities already jumped at the chance to carry the Larry Fitzgerald
and individual elements reflective of the product, with orders placed by Walgreens,
markets in which they play. Cub Foods and Kroger, among others. Brandon Jacobs
NFL PLAYERS commissioned Peter Green Andre Johnson
“The objective of the Caricature line is to Design to create all of the unique imagery,
showcase our players in a fresh setting, retained Retail Sales Solutions as the Peyton Manning
enabling fans to more directly connect exclusive distributor of the Caricatures
Carson Palmer
with their favorite players as individual and Pro Specialties Group will serve
personalities,” said Keith Gordon, Acting as the licensee for much of the initial Chad Pennington
President of NFL PLAYERS. product assortment.
Adrian Peterson
This line, which ranges from general Aaron Rodgers
novelties to everyday items such as
Ben Roethlisberger
Tony Romo
Matt Ryan
Mark Sanchez
Brian Urlacher
Brian Westbrook
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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.
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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.
“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.
This year, Ronnie Brown (Miami), Matt Forté (Chicago), Robbie Gould (Chicago), Leon
AARON CURRY/SEATTLE SHOWS OFF THE Washington (New York Jets), DeAngelo Williams (Carolina) and Roy Williams (Dallas)
SPACE NEEDLE IN HIS NEW HOMETOWN.
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
BRENDON AYANBADEJO/BALTIMORE Market. Also featured throughout the show were interviews with a variety of names from
GETS IN SOME CROSS TRAINING IN the 2009 rookie class, which were captured at the annual NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere
THE MMA RING.
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
ROOKIES RAMSES BARDEN/NEW YORK cameras go behind the scenes as Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) gets a wardrobe update
GIANTS AND SHONNE GREEN/NEW YORK
JETS CATCH UP WHILE ADJUSTING TO LIFE
from Project Runway’s Kevin Christiana, Ben Utecht and the Dallas O-Line perform for
IN THE NFL AND IN THE BIG APPLE. 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.
MATT FORTÉ/CHICAGO IS HIGHLIGHTED Additional sponsors of the “NFL PLAYERS Helmets Off ” series include: Fanhouse.com,
DURING THE FANTASY ’09 DRAFT.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Pepsi and Turner Licensing.
MOTOROLA PRESENTS
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THE WORLD’S FIRST
ATHLETE-RUN
SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS
NETWORK. POWERED
BY MOTOBLUR.
™
CEJEHEB7
friends, feeds, posts, tweets, emails and more
right to you. So you’re getting the latest sports and
entertainment news—the inside scoop on your
favorite athletes and celebrities—in up-to-the-
minute tweets and posts. All coming from Chad
Ocho Cinco—the most outrageous mouth in sports.
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
information and breaking news from both on and off the field. Powered by Motorola’s
MOTOBLUR technology, Ochocinco announced the news via Twitter in October.
Motorola’s MOTOBLUR technology brings together social networks, contacts
motorola.com/motoblur
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.
MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. The MOTOBLUR logo is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their
respective owners. © 2009 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved. Motorola at www.twitter.com/OGOchocinco and www.twitter.com/motomobile.
A<9%;7IFEHJI
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.
9ECC?JJ;;
& Chapter Presidents Convene in D.C.
“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.”
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RETIRED PLAYERS NEWS
J;HHO very high. We feel confident putting our wine up against any
other wine in the world.”
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knowledge from each venture to help in his current endeavor.
The chemistry and botany courses he took in college have
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“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.”
TERRY HOAGE
Hoage didn’t find that acceptance while selling stocks
Although former Philadelphia Eagle Terry Hoage doesn’t consider and bonds or building houses, but he is now finding it in
himself a true Renaissance man, his résumé would suggest otherwise. wine-making.
A scholar (graduated from the University of Georgia in 1985 with a B.S. “We are all very competitive in this business,” Hoage said.
in Genetics with a 3.85 GPA), an athlete (named two-time All-American “We’re all trying to make a wine better than the next person.
defensive back at Georgia before a 13-year career in the NFL), a financier You don’t have 60,000 people standing up cheering for you,
(interned at Merrill Lynch and received his Series 7 license allowing him but you still get the respect of those in the business and that
to sell stocks and bonds) and a builder (owned a home construction is just as important.”
business in the Phoenix area), Hoage has amassed an extensive list of
Hoage credited the NFL Players Association for helping
career accomplishments. Yet for the former NFL defensive back, his
him get his internship with Merrill Lynch and said he hopes
work is still unfinished.
more players use the union’s resources to open doors to new
Hoage’s latest incarnation: winemaker. opportunities that will help them transition into their post-
playing careers.
In 2002, he and his wife Jennifer purchased a 26-acre vineyard in Paso
“I continue to learn,” Hoage said. “I like learning and I have
Robles, Calif., which now serves as the headquarters for Terry Hoage
always done a variety of things. I was ready to move on when
Vineyards. Though relatively new to the industry, Hoage has already
my time came. I had done football, but it didn’t define me.”
begun to make his mark, with the vineyard producing an estimated
2,000 cases of wine each year. For more information on Terry Hoage Vineyards,
visit www.terryhoagevineyards.com.
“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
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.””
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
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Dallas Chapter Builds “Holiday House”
BY GLENDALYN JUNIO
BEFORE AFTER
As part of their annual “Holiday House” “Typically we have always tried to focus on hard hats and went to work, erecting the
program, members of the NFLPA Retired families with children, but this particular structure and filling it with new appliances
Players Dallas Chapter recently extended woman touched us,” Jolly said. “She raised from dawn until dusk.
their helping hands to resurrect the five kids and half of the other kids in the
condemned home of a 71-year-old disabled neighborhood, so we felt that she needed “I think that giving back to the community
woman in West Dallas. The Chapter, the help.” in a positive matter is at the heart of what
which partners with the City of Dallas’ we are all about,” Jolly added. “From a
Department of Housing “People Helping After a fall 18 years ago, Freeman had standpoint of an organization of retired
People” initiative, has been building new trouble moving around the house and players, there are a lot of guys who are
homes for disadvantaged families in their was forced to rely on a cane and interested in the benefits, like ‘What’s in
community since 1997. 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
“As a chapter we wanted to look at what we by the Chapter, was designed to be I help?’”
could do to help. A lot of people have golf completely wheelchair-accessible.
tournaments where you raise money for a
particular charity, but then you don’t get In order to accommodate the hefty
immediate results,” Chapter Vice President expense needed to complete the project,
and former Kansas City linebacker Ken the retired players tapped into a federal
Jolly said. “We wanted something that grant provided to the recipient through
would unfold under our eyes, something the city and received contributions from
you could see.” generous architects, engineers, construction
workers and building-material companies.
For this year’s event, the group donated Spearheaded by former Philadelphia punter
their time and energy to build a new home and custom homebuilder John Teltschik,
for Georgia Freeman, a retired school bus the Chapter’s members then turned to
driver who raised five children in the same charitable contractors and laborers to help
house over the last 45 years. During that convert the dilapidated structure into a
time, the house slowly fell into disrepair dream home.
due to a leaking and collapsing roof, and
the structure was deemed a hazard after the Over a span of three days in mid-November,
city determined the cost of repairs would the dedicated group of former players
exceed replacement. and a number of volunteers donned their MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS
RETIRED PLAYERS CHAPTER
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.
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BY ELI FITCH
I loved getting video games as a holiday gift Since we’ve had our daughters, my favorite
because we used to play them 24 hours a holiday tradition has been waking up Christmas
day when we were kids. It was either video morning to watch my girls open their gifts and
games or my basketball hoop. really just see the excitement in their faces.
It’s only been a few years but it’s definitely a
Bernard Berrian I Minnesota tradition that we’ve started.
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