The NFL Goes Back To Work: Foxworth, Saturday Praised For Their Roles In Talks

Ravens CB and player rep Domonique Foxworth was "instrumental in helping the NFL end a 4-month-lockout, receiving praise for doing 'the dirty work,'" according to Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore SUN. The 28-year-old Foxworth, the "youngest member on the 13-man NFLPA executive committee, was singled out during the press conference" yesterday for his work during the talks. Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, who is being praised for his role in the CBA talks, said the player reps "just didn’t look at the short-term interests of their own playing careers, but they looked long-term -- especially Jeff Saturday and Domonique Foxworth." Kraft: "I was so impressed with them, that they acted as principals at the table looking out for what’s good for the game." NFLPA President Kevin Mawae noted that Foxworth and Colts C Jeff Saturday, another member of the NFLPA Exec Committee, "didn’t miss a labor meeting since June 28." Mawae: “We couldn’t have done this without a strong executive committee and our board of players, but I’ve got to give a tip of the hat to Jeff Saturday and Domonique Foxworth" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 7/25). Chargers President & CEO Dean Spanos yesterday said, "Jeff Saturday, Domonique Foxworth and Kevin Mawae were the three key players that were there at all the meetings. To their credit, they represented the players as well as anybody possibly could. They listened to everything we were saying and wanted to understand what we were saying. … They were very professional in the way they handled themselves and represented the players. And likewise for the five owners that were in there, same thing" (CHARGERS.com, 7/25). ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Foxworth and Saturday “were instrumental in this deal.” They took a "leading role, and when they sat down face-to-face with owners I think that made a tremendous difference" (“Mike & Mike in the Morning,” ESPN Radio, 7/26).

PRAISE FROM THE TWITTERSPHERE: Foxworth and Saturday have been receiving a bevy of praise on Twitter for their roles in the negotiations. Texans OT and player rep Eric Winston wrote, “Tip of the cap to Jeff Saturday and Dominique Foxworth. 2 guys that every player owes a debt of gratitude to.” Browns LB Scott Fujita: “Many thanks to D. Foxworth & J. Saturday, who sacrificed more time away from their families than any player throughout this process.” NFL Senior VP/PR Greg Aiello: “No player was more involved in negotiations than Domonique Foxworth.” The Washington Examiner’s Rick Snider: “Not surprised Dom Foxworth has emerged as a player leader. Used to be called ‘Senator’ during his Terps days. Very smart person.” Colts DE Robert Mathis: “Thank you to a our team leader Jeff Saturday&the rest of the player reps for their tireless efforts&sacrifice from their fam for this cause.”