Football's Free Agent Frenzy

It took a little longer to get another post written than I had originally planned. I had some family events and unexpected travel come up. 

As I write this, I am on the road home from Missouri.  The NFL lockout has ended, and the so called "Free Agent Frenzy" has begun. I am learning of all the player signings and potential trades from my twitter feed (shameless plug in 3... 2... 1... twitter.com/rangerfandan) whenever I happen to have service on the road. As each new transaction is reported, I can't help but wonder how the recent labor dispute has affected some people's lives.

Let me say that I am not going to take a side in the players versus the owners debate. For one thing, I have never been involved with unionized labor or collective bargaining. So, I have no knowledge or experience on which I could base an intelligent decision. Also, I personally do not think the "millionaires versus billionaires" concept that the media has fallen for truly applies.  Here's why.

To most of us, professional sports like the NFL are, or at least should be, just a game. To the thousands of individuals and their families associated with pro sports, this is their life. For the owners, their franchise has become a brand that is their largest personal investment. Its success is their success. For the players, this is their dream job. For both, this is a career that they have spent their entire lives striving to achieve. That is not something any of us would take lightly.

You see, it doesn't matter what you do or how much money you make. One of the many great things about our country is that, for the time being at least, you still have the right to try and do more and to earn more for yourself. You can improve your own life and your own family's situation.

This is why I wonder about all the deals being made this week. These guys are squeezing into one week, an off season that usually lasts for months. Many are trying to finalize deals immediately so that they can be in training camps that start this weekend. For even the lowest paid player, the amount of money in play is life altering. Their future could easily be made with this one employment choice. They could make enough money that, if they are wise stewards, can easily take care of themselves and their families for life. Personally, I hope these guys, many of whom are still young men, are able to devote the time, thought, and prayer necessary to make wise decisions.

Also, much respect/kudos/props/any other positive feedback term you can think of to the NFL and the teams that are paying out the lost salaries and wages of the staffs and employees. Those people-the ones whose retirements, kids college funds, mortgages, or even grocery and utility bills depend on NFL or team paychecks-are the ones who comparatively stood to lose the most in this labor dispute. A labor dispute that they did not initiate and in which they did not have a voice. Perhaps to them it rightfully is a bit more than just a game.

Quote: A man should make all he can, and give all he can. - Nelson Rockefeller

Scripture: A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22 NASB