Negotiations continued into the evening Thursday as the NFL and its players tried to bridge the gap that exists in how at least $9 billion in revenue will be shared now, while creating a sustainable model that will account for the expectations of increased revenue in future years.
Talks started Thursday morning in Manhattan with commissioner Roger Goodell leading the league contingent. Owners present were Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys; Clark Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs; Robert Kraft, New England Patriots; John Mara, New York Giants and Art Rooney, Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith represented the players that included NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, along with Domonique Foxworth, Baltimore Ravens; Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts; Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers and retired player Sean Morey.
Thursday's discussions began following two days of league and players' attorneys working on the documents that will eventually be a collective bargaining agreement.
As he entered the talks, Smith was asked if he was hopeful, and said, "I feel good."
Meanwhile, a conference call was scheduled for Thursday evening for the named plaintiffs, led by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, in the antitrust suit filed against the league on March 11.
Thursday's negotiations began as all involved learned of the passing at the age of 69 of Hall-of-Fame tight end John Mackey, who was the first president of the NFLPA from 1969-73, and was a named plaintiff in an antitrust suit against the NFL filed in 1976.
Mackey spent the final 11 years of his life seriously affected by dementia. His wife, Sylvia, was instrumental in advocating for starting the "88 Plan" (Mackey's uniform number), that provides financial assistance for former players suffering from dementia.
In addition to settling what the revenue split will be between the league and players, benefits for retired players remains an important issue to be decided. During his time leading the NFLPA, Mackey pushed for improved benefits and free agency.
