Gene Upshaw Football Quotations

Wellington Mara was a true pioneer who understood what it took to make the National Football League great. History will show that his vision, integrity and willingness to share with small-market clubs paved the way for economic success.

The players have worked very hard to make this game the best in the world. The players are committed to ensuring that the game of football remains on the field and not in the courtroom.

This agreement is not about one side winning or losing. Ultimately, it is about what is best for the players, the owners and the fans of the National Football League . . . This new agreement gives us the opportunity to continue our unprecedented success and growth.

On behalf of the players, the NFLPA staff and the negotiating team, we are pleased that this process has finally concluded with an agreement. This agreement is not about one side winning or losing. Ultimately, it is about what is best for the players, the owners and the fans of the National Football League.

It has to be total football revenue this time around.

They've taken the concept of designated gross revenue and changed it to total football revenue and basically come up with the same amount they're paying the players now, ... They have not made a proposal to us since we started this whole process. All they say is, 'We reject whatever you want.' Then they say what we want is too much. . . . Once we get to March 2006, when the league calendar starts, as far as we're concerned there's no need to make a deal. If that's what they want, we'll go there too.