Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and current NFL analyst Ron Jaworski shared his thoughts on the labor situation in the NFL, and he wasn’t kind to current players. In an interview with Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Jaws said he was saddened by the lockout, that he generally supports the players in labor disputes, but he’s disappointed with the current players.
When asked if he felt the players union was doing a good job representing former players, he expressed his thoughts and offended some folks, which is nothing new for Jaws.
“That part does disappoint me. I’ve been around long enough to understand that present-day players, they don’t understand what the guys went through in [the previous work stoppages of 1987, ’82, and ’74]. … Quite honestly, I don’t think they really give a damn about the guys that laid the foundation for the game. I think it’s a lot of verbiage, but I don’t think they really care.”
I agree in some senses but disagree in others. I really do think some of the current players, especially the veterans, understand how things will be when they retire and that’s why they’re fighting for better health care and pension plans for players. Younger players in general aren’t as mature and probably don’t think as far in advance, so they’re likely less concerned.
But here’s the main point: the current players are not just fighting for better rights for themselves, but they’re also fighting for better rights and more money for the retired players. Even if some players don’t genuinely care about the older players, at least they’re acting on their behalf.
Also mentioned in the interview which is worth a read is that Jaws thinks the Eagles should keep Kevin Kolb, saying he thinks Kolb will be an outstanding NFL quarterback. Thanks to CBS Sports for the transcription.
