NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith joined together, smiling big at a Monday afternoon news conference in Washington D.C. The two talked about getting the deal done, and also had owners and player representatives talk about the last 132 days.
The best part of the media gathering came when Colts center and player rep Jeff Saturday took the podium. He was glad to see a deal finalized and was thankful for all the wives of the men involved with these big discussion.
Then, Saturday gave his gratitude for New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft who has been through a lot lately. Many key players and owners stressed Kraft’s importance is completing the agreement. Saturday had touching words to say about the Colts-rival’s owner who lost his wife, Myra just four days ago.
A special thanks to Myra Kraft, who even in her weakest moment, allowed Mr. Kraft to come and fight this out. Without him, this deal does not get done. I don’t want to be climatic, but he is a man who helped us save football. We’re gracious for that, we’re gracious for his family, and the opportunity presented to get this deal done.
A very touching speech indeed. Classy move Jeff.
(Note: A full transcript of the news conference can be read here.)
The 10-year deal lasts through the 2020 season, meaning no missed regular season games since 1987. Well done.
Great sentiment from Jeff, but it was unfortunate that the short quote above included cringe-inducing butchering of the English language. “I don’t mean to be climatic” (you don’t want to control the weather?) and “we’re gracious for that” (did you mean grateful?) were pretty bad. But then of course, speaking is not what he gets paid to do and he could probably point out some flaws in my game if I took the field as a lineman.
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Jeff Saturday commends the rival, Patriots owner Robert Kraft | Vigilant Sports…