NFL Lockout: Thank God that's Over

Written by: Christie Mac
STAFF WRITER RECLINERQB.COM
[Editors Note: This is a little bit late, but better late than never, ReclinerQB has had massive air conditioning and garage door problems the last week]


There will be a 2011 NFL Season!  Cue the trumpets and confetti!

As for the results of the new 10 year CBA agreement...seems like everyone, including the fans came out alright.

Previously the CBA called for players to receive roughly 60% of revenues after a significant chunk was taken off the top (and significant is a cool billion bucks) where the players were clearly coming out ahead.  The new CBA, in place for the next 10 years, has the owners coming out on the high side of a roughly 53/47 split of the revenue.  Some fans in support of the players, may see this as unfair, as I did at first glance, especially since the players are the guys out there taking a beating every Sunday.

After doing some research, I have concluded that it ain't too shabby of a deal all around, especially for the fans that were facing a cancelled season (although who wasn't secretly hoping for the movie The Replacements to play out?).  Yes, the league owners got what they wanted, MORE MONEY (that will help provide for profitability on a long term scale and ensure that we don't loose football to bankruptcy), but the players weren't hung out to dry either.

Among the big changes for the players are a increased salary cap limits, with mandatory minimum amounts spent, starting at 99% of the cap spent this year and decreasing to 89% spending requirement by 2013.  Players are also in for an increase in benefits in excess of 20 million, including improvements on retirement benefits, and the option for medical care coverage for life.

Veteran players are making out pretty well, receiving a 50k across the board increase in their minimum league salary, and the establishment of the "entry level compensation system" where new draft picks salaries are limited.  No more $78 million contracts with $50 million guaranteed for newbies.  The new CBA lays out limits at nearly half that amount.**

(** On a side note, I cannot let this issue pass without making a simple point.  If you are receiving $50 million over 4 years...or even a number much lower than $50 mil...if you cannot invest that money and make it last you for the rest of your life and retirement, the NFL needs to invest in some financial guidance for the leagues players, as someone that works hard for my money to provide for my family, watch these games and buy their gear...some days it really irks me that people are complaining about not being able to make $50 million last for the rest of their lives)

Now that I am off that little soap box, lets refocus on the important part.  What does all this mean for the fans? Cheaper ticket prices? Keep dreaming!

On a smaller and possibly less noticed scale, the new CBA means that the fans may see some of their favorite veteran players able to retain their jobs longer, as there will be more funds available to retain those players. Otherwise, quite frankly the new CBA means...ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? because we will get a 2011/2012 season!

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