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Now that there is labor peace in the
NFL, it is time to say so long to the NFL we used to
know.
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Because of some of the rule changes that
will de-emphasize contact and practice on the field, the league
will never be the same and maybe that is good. I will hold off
judgment for a while.
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Gone are the dreaded two-a-day practices
that save water breaks as a reward. The contact at that time was
designed to get players into “football shape,” something that any
player who has ever put on a helmet would understand. With that
challenge came a badge of courage and determination. It separated
the men from the boys; it made you feel like you were tougher than
those who would not dare step on the field in this modern-day
gladiator event.
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Now, it’s gone, and so is the NFL as we
knew it.
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As for the rest of the agreement, a tip
of the cap should go to NFL Players Association Executive Director
DeMaurice Smith. A relative newcomer to the industry of sports,
Smith had a vision. He was not one of the good old boys, and he was
going to make sure the players were not going to give anything away
that would be deemed essential to their survival.
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Smith was firm and yet flexible. Ego
seldom came into play, only when the owners needed to be reminded
he was supposed to be at the bargaining table.
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In the end, Smith got a 10-year deal
that should help both player and owner, a deal where both sides
gained from giving in a bit.
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This agreement will be in place longer
than most players and some owners will be around, as the shelf life
for a player is under four years, with coaches lasting slightly
longer.
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As for the retired players, they will
have a around $60 million a year earmarked for them. The
administration of this money will be key, as it should be for those
who suffer from health issues along with other extenuating
circumstances. This should not include alimony payouts to the third
and fourth ex-wife/skank who thought there was a pot of gold at the
end of a pro jock’s rainbow.
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Today’s player got a good deal on the
surface. While the salary cap will preclude some from hitting the
jackpot when it comes to long-term deals, it may be better than the
previous deal. Free agency will be alive and well, but only the
smart players will profit.
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They say the reduction of practices
should save on the health of players. I think the absence of
grueling training camps could increase injury to those who are not
physically fit. It will be a challenge to say the least, and some
will pay the price.
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As for the rookies? Forget about them
for this season. Few will make an impact as they have no practice
time, let alone familiarity with the league, its players and
coaches. They will be better off watching this season.
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The NFL is now in no man’s land with
respect to the new rules, their implementation, the conditioning of
players and the overall preparation that will be required to not
just play, but to complete.
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As for the St. Louis Rams, it could be
rocky with a new offensive coordinator and needs that have yet to
be filled: receiver, running back, defensive line and secondary, to
name a few. A lot needs to happen in a short period of
time.
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So when will the clock start for you?
How much time you will give the new NFL and its teams when it comes
to your patience?
