Effort emerges to create separate union for running backs

[iueyedoc]

Linky Linky

The NFL’s current compensation system does not fairly compensate running backs. An effort has been launched to change that.

Via Bloomberg.com, a petition has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board to create a separate union for NFL running backs.


In a petition dated August 6, the International Brotherhood of Professional Running Backs identifies Veronica Patton as the executive director of the group. The petition, which technically seeks clarification of the broader NFLPA bargaining unit, explains that the “rookie wage contract is economically harmful to workers in skill group (RB), but advantageous to players in skill group (QB),” and that the “current one-size fits all” approach to NFL players is “inappropriate.”


There’s definitely a point to all of this. Running backs have shorter careers, they incur far more physical abuse than most other positions, and the rookie wage structure often results in the best years of a running back’s career happening before they have a chance to renegotiate their deals or to hit free agency.


The NFL and NFL Players Association will have the ability to oppose this, and they surely will. And at some point, the IBPRB will have to persuade running backs to break away from the NFLPA.


Maybe some of them will. There’s a pervasive sense among running backs and the agents who represent them that the men who play the position have different circumstances than other players, and that they are not treated fairly in variety of ways, up to and including the rule that protects pro football’s free farm system by forcing players to wait three years after high school to join the NFL.


Of all players, running backs are the best suited to jump to the NFL after one (or no) years of college. Maybe wiping out that rule as to running backs will be the first order of business for the IBPRB, if/when the effort prevails.

 

[Bearly]

 

[modo]

Getting what you think you should get doesn’t always line up with what the market is willing to offer.

 

[Bort]

I think there is a point to that. The way the collective bargaining agreement is currently structured, players hit their big payday on their second contract after they've been in the league 4 or 5 seasons. But teams generally don't want to shell out top dollar for a 28 year old RB who is entering the tail end of his prime, so RBs miss the big payday that players at other positions get, and as a result are the most consistently underpaid position.

I think it would be fair to make an exception that any drafted player who played most of their college snaps at RB has a maximum rookie contract length of 3 years so they can enter free agency in their prime. I don't expect that to ever happen, but I do think it would be more fair than the current arrangement.

 

[bearmick]

Valid argument imo. Maybe instead of a whole separate Union, something simpler could be arranged, like RBs renegotiating after two years if they're particularly productive.

 

[truthbedamned]

Kickers need their own union too...........along with longsnappers.

 

[Mdbearz]

Some good points...AND the position has the ability to be highly effective at the NFL level as a rookie. Typically a QB will need 2 or 3 year, same with a WR to reach peak performance.

 

[WestCoastBearsFan]

I don’t disagree with it, it’s just not going to happen.

 

[KoreanBear]

The fullbacks hoping to tag along, but too scared to ask...

 

[gilder121]

One consequence of a different RB scale/length would be that it would put significant downward pressure on the draft stock of RBs. If the contract isn't favorable, there is less value.

Also - I wonder what the high end of RB contracts will be in 4-5 years even in the current system. From the RBs don't matter crowd to the physical deterioration, it seems like NFL owners are on the precipice of calling the bluff of the RB position and resetting the market.

 

[BaBaBlacksheep]

Valid argument imo. Maybe instead of a whole separate Union, something simpler could be arranged, like RBs renegotiating after two years if they're particularly productive.

Something needs to change or I expect we’ll continue to see more and more holdouts.

 

[gallagher]

I'd much rather the NFL develop farm leagues competing with the NCAA for young talent, and I think that the points brought up here might fit well inside that idea.

If you don't like the rookie pay limitations of the draft, then sign with a semi pro team and earn a free agent contract when you turn 22.

 

[xer0h0ur]

There definitely is something to this because its becoming more common for teams to dump RBs at the end of their rookie deal instead of paying them. Especially the so called every down back that is just racking up more wear and tear than anyone else.

 

[Black Rainbow]

Is there factual data that proves RBs have a shorter career than other positions? Isn't the NFL average something like 2 or 3 years.

How are their contracts and careers compared to OL & DL?

I understand that some QBs can play to 40, but I would think that closer examination shows that QBs are different to not only RB but every position on the field.

 

[iueyedoc]

One consequence of a different RB scale/length would be that it would put significant downward pressure on the draft stock of RBs. If the contract isn't favorable, there is less value.

This.

Maybe structure a version of the current performance bonuses so that RB's drafted later are paid more aligned with their contributions if they greatly exceed draft position or structure contracts so that the 4th year becomes a much higher cost 4th yr option like like 1st rd 5th yr options that is triggered by performance benchmarks. This could be true of any position.

 

[vabearsfan15]

I think there is a point to that. The way the collective bargaining agreement is currently structured, players hit their big payday on their second contract after they've been in the league 4 or 5 seasons. But teams generally don't want to shell out top dollar for a 28 year old RB who is entering the tail end of his prime, so RBs miss the big payday that players at other positions get, and as a result are the most consistently underpaid position.

I think it would be fair to make an exception that any drafted player who played most of their college snaps at RB has a maximum rookie contract length of 3 years so they can enter free agency in their prime. I don't expect that to ever happen, but I do think it would be more fair than the current arrangement.

THIS!! I dont blame running backs who have sat out and tried to force an early extension. They do the bulk of the work and use up their prime years for the amount kickers get paid.

 

[Bort]

Is there factual data that proves RBs have a shorter career than other positions? Isn't the NFL average something like 2 or 3 years.

How are their contracts and careers compared to OL & DL?

I understand that some QBs can play to 40, but I would think that closer examination shows that QBs are different to not only RB but every position on the field.

That’s because the “average” NFL player on a 53 man roster is a depth/special teams guy who is easily replaceable.

 

[modo]

RBs aren't getting what they used to get. They don't need a union, they need to lower their expectations. The league cares less for RBs than what they used to. It is just a sign of the changing NFL game.

 

[PrimeTime]

Rule changes for safeties sake have put a premium on QB's and WR's and their salaries at the expense of RB's because teams are not reliant on bell cow backs anymore. If you want RB's to make more money it has to come from somewhere. Bear fans should understand this better than most.

Le'veon Bell is probably the best or one of the best current RB's to insert into Nagy's offense. I would guess every person on this board would pick Bell over Montgomery if the Bears could sign Bell for the same money they are paying Monty. Obviously that is not possible but the Bears did have the opportunity sign Bell for around 14 mil a year and chose to draft a rookie instead. From what I remember, very few people here were in favor of signing Bell.

Looking at a small sample of Monty's ability, most fans still believe he doesn't have the ability of Bell but will be more than adequate in the Bears offense for a much lower salary than Bell.

 

[cubby chubby]

Running backs are becoming the epitome of the modern day indentured servants of the nfl. Bout time they work on getting equality compensation beyond all this supply and demand rhetoric.