DeMaurice Smith‘s job is safe. This week, Smith got the two-thirds vote he needed from the NFLPA’s 32 player reps, keeping him on as the union’s executive director (Twitter link via Dan Graziano of ESPN.com). 
Per NFLPA bylaws, the union’s top officials get to vote on whether to extend the executive director’s contract. The first vote is cast by the smaller selection committee, which voted unanimously to extend Smith’s deal in 2017. This time around, the selection committee was split 7-7, leaving Smith’s future up to the player reps.
Smith has served as executive director since 2009, but the most recent round of CBA negotiations put him at odds with many players. But, even after agreeing to an additional regular season game in exchange for a larger share of revenue, the union has voted to move forward with Smith.
“The current proposal contains increases across almost every category of wages, hours, working conditions and benefits for former and current players,” Smith said in March of 2020 after the CBA was approved (via the NY Post). “Like any contested negotiation … the proposal also reflects trades with the counterparty which have to be carefully weighed and assessed across the entirety of the deal. Please be confident that I hear — loudly and clearly — those of you who have passionately expressed their perspective that these gains are not enough when weighed against, for example, adding another game.”
“That position reflects how some members have chosen to weigh what aspect of the deal is important to them. The fact is, however, that there are literally hundreds of issues in any [CBA] that affect thousands of circumstances and impact thousands of current and former players which we must consider carefully.”
The current CBA will run through 2030. Smith’s new contract is expected to keep him in place through 2023.
Jon Gruden is not happy
That was a terrible email!
Concur… But considering the timing of this news and that news
Jon Gruden is an (unprintable)
He’s also a terrible GM!
He’ll be even less happy when his players start dogging it until he gets fired.
To me, that would be a justifiable firing. Because you’re right, the players aren’t going to busts their butts for him now. And if MD can get out of that contract, would be real helpful.
MUCH better pic of Smith, thank you!
I hope Smith gets free Michelin tires and rides in their blimps for life! What an awful thing for Gruden to say, calling him Dumborris! More noble people would aptly call him clean, articulate and bright!
I have to give credit to Smith for at least fighting the good fight during his tenure. Naturally the owners have and always will have their way when the issues of greatest importance are being negotiated. Changing union presidents will never alter that.
You might want to speak with Marvin Miller or Donald Fehr
Goodell popped some champagne upon hearing the news
The NFLPA could have done better. The fact that there is a rift between star players and bench players tells you that – as a good rep would be doing what is best for BOTH groups. The correct focus should always be “players versus the league”.
I think one could argue that the star players like Mahomes really don’t require any union protection since they will be financially secure for several lifetimes. Bench players on the other hand should be where the focus is directed as their long term financial security is much more precarious.