Willie Davis: A Goodell Fan

Keeping with our Packers news, CantonRep.com asks us to count hall-of-famer Willie Davis as a fan of Commissioner Goodell (at least in regards to the relationship between the league and retired players):

“The one thing I would say is since Roger Goodell has been there, there seems to be a real difference,” Davis said. “He seems to have brought a different attitude to the commissioner’s office. I think everything that has emanated from that has been more positive than it previously had been.

“There’s no question things have improved for retired players. I think … in the form of participation with events, they’re trying every way they can to help guys earn a few bucks. It’s definitely better.”

Well, if all it takes is a few bucks…   That’s the “beauty” of the Tagliabue Era for the NFL: set the bar REALLY, REALLY low.

Filed under: HOF, retired players, Roger Goodell, Paul Tagliabue, Willie Davis

Contracts in Canton

The  Buffalo News (NY) had a little time to kill before the Hall of Fame game last night and started poking around the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Mark Gaughan found Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham’s 1948 contract with the AFC and Buffalo Bills safety George Saimes’s 1966 contract.  Each at the top of his game, Graham made $12,000 and Saimes made $15,000.

Not sure what Gaughan means when he says the NFLPA “could note [these contracts] if it gave tours to rookies.”  He thinks they’re making too much or that they’ve been poorly represented for over 60 years?

Filed under: HOF, player contracts, George Saimes, Otto Graham