Outside of maybe a couple unnamed players in the Pacific Northwest, active NFLers have remained somewhat quiet on the topic of Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Apparently, Oakland Raiders All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman didn’t get this memo. In talking about Goodell’s absolutely absurd contract demands in extension negotiations, Bowman did not hold back.
“In regards to (Goodell’s) contract, I just don’t think that’s respectable. In regards to the players, and just a slap in the face just due to the job that we have,” Bowman said, via ESPN. “It just, it doesn’t make sense, just because he’s the commissioner that he gets to make that much money and it be guaranteed. No player in this league has that opportunity and I feel like we should.”
Not a single non-rookie in today’s NFL has a multi-year contract that’s fully guaranteed. Even when it comes to rookies, there is off-set language that could help teams collect on supposed guaranteed cash should said player bomb out.
Goodell’s demands reportedly include $50 million fully guaranteed annually, lifetime use of a private jet and lifetime health insurance for himself as well as his family (more on that here).
Yeah, this would likely be seen as a slap in the face for players around the league. We’re also pretty sure others share in this opinion, but just have not gone public yet.
For his part, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is pushing back on giving Goodell an extension. It’s led to some major drama between billionaire NFL power players.
It will be interesting to see if any other players speak up. But for now, Bowman has certainly let his feelings be known.