Many have questioned the NFLPA’s choice to urge players in staying away from team facilities and voluntary workout periods. After Denver Broncos OL Ja’Wuan James was injured away from his team facility and stands to lose upwards of $10M, it came to light that the NFLPA’s message may not be in the best interest of the players. Others have questioned how the players’ decision to stay away even affects ownership in a negative way.
In an interview with Andy Hanson, NFL player personnel analyst and COO of ‘The 33rd Team,’ he brought to light what the NFLPA’s potential end game might be.
“I think the long term goal of the NFLPA is to set-up non-team specific satellite work-out facilities in every state and most major cities, which would cost the owners a ton (of money)…Maybe this is the first step towards setting up an actual satellite program where (players) can work-out in the off-season and if (they) blow an ACL they wouldn’t lose all their money for NFI(Non-Football Injury) reasons…but ownership doesn’t want to set that up.”
The NFLPA and NFL will not go back to the table to negotiate a new CBA until 2030, but they could be laying the groundwork for this type of satellite program that would allow players to live at home and get the same level of professional training as well as access to NFL trainers and staff. More importantly, it would be guaranteeing their money and the support of the NFL and their organization should they suffer an injury. Hanson did bring up an issue that with players from different NFL teams in the same facility, collusion could become a concern.
You can watch the entire interview below:
https://youtu.be/JvZeUDrEsFw?t=74