Smith brings a fresh approach
John Clayton, ESPN.comThe selection of Washington, D.C., attorney DeMaurice Smith as NFLPA executive director may have been a surprise, but in many ways, the union decided it needed a fresh approach.
Story | Conversation | March 15, 2009Weakened Giants pass rush will be big factor in NFC East race
John Clayton, ESPN.comIn his latest mailbag, John Clayton tackles questions on Donovan McNabb, Alge Crumpler's impact on the Titans and more.
Story | Conversation | August 27, 2008Upshaw played game hard on and off the field
John Clayton, ESPN.comAs a Hall of Fame guard for the Raiders, Gene Upshaw played tough. Those skills served him well as NFLPA executive director, John Clayton writes.
Story | Conversation | August 21, 2008Loss of Upshaw will delay labor negotiations
John Clayton, ESPN.comThe NFLPA, reeling from the unexpected death of Gene Upshaw, will move slowly on finding a replacement for him and starting talks on a new labor contract, John Clayton writes.
Story | Conversation | August 21, 2008Union front-office vets, ex-players among candidates
John Clayton, ESPN.comWho might the NFLPA select as Gene Upshaw's successor? There are several prominent candidates, John Clayton writes.
Story | Conversation | August 21, 2008Without cap, Cowboys, Chargers can still strut
John Clayton, ESPN.comWhich teams would be affected most if the league can't get a new labor deal before 2010? John Clayton forecasts five of the best and five of the worst teams facing that scenario.
Story | Conversation | May 28, 2008Pros and cons to prospect of a 17-game season
John Clayton, ESPN.comIncreasing the regular season to 17 games might seem like an odd way to resolve the NFL's pending labor problems, but an additional game could smooth some of the differences between the league and the union.
Story | Conversation | May 21, 2008Day 1 wrap: Fins sale...and storm clouds?
John Clayton, ESPN.comThe sale of the Dolphins was approved at the NFL owners meeting Monday, but there's more pressing business ahead, John Clayton writes.
Story | Conversation | March 31, 2008Toss out the salary cap? Are you crazy?
John Clayton, ESPN.comSome owners are talking about doing away with the salary cap in 2008. But considering the surplus of cap room this season, that would be a huge mistake.
Story | Conversation | September 07, 2007Chiefs RB Johnson among possible holdouts
John Clayton, ESPN.comAs the NFL hits vacation mode, John Clayton looks at five story lines that will play out between now and training camp.
Story | Conversation | June 25, 2007Russell makes a big impression
John Clayton, ESPN.comJaMarcus Russell, who could be the No. 1 overall pick, made a big impression at the combine, writes John Clayton.
Story | Conversation | February 23, 2007Trio faces uncertain future
John Clayton, ESPN.comOn Thursday, three NFL players provided some insight into the physical and emotional reality of pro football, writes John Clayton.
Story | Conversation | October 06, 2006Don't expect great things from Mangini, Jets in '06
John Clayton, ESPN.comJohn Clayton shares 10 random thoughts, including why he has high expectations for WR Randy Moss and the Dolphins in '06.
Story | Conversation | July 05, 2006Tagliabue wants to get rid of poison pills
John Clayton, ESPN.comPaul Tagliabue wants to ban the type of "poison pills" the Vikings and Seahawks used recently. But that will come at a price.
Story | Conversation | March 28, 2006Next commissioner will face many challenges
John Clayton, ESPN.comThe NFL's next commissioner will have to be a combination of Pete Rozelle and Paul Tagliabue, writes John Clayton.
Story | Conversation | March 22, 2006TOP SEARCHES IN NOVEMBER
Bowl Projections tops ESPN.com searches in November. Did "gene upshaw" make the list?