Last year at this time, former NFLPA president Troy Vincent was a finalist to become the next Executive Director of the union. Then, after he ended up not getting the job, there was talk that new Executive Director De Smith would hire Vincent.
It never happened, and now Vincent is joining the NFL.
The league announced today that Vincent has been named the league’s vice president of player development for active players.
“Bringing Troy on board represents a tremendous opportunity for our office to extend its reach and engagement, particularly with college and entering NFL players,” NFL vice president of law and labor policy Adolpho Birch said in a release. “Troy brings a unique perspective and impressive skill set to this position. As a former player and past NFL Players Association President with extensive experience in player development, he is an innovative thinker, excellent communicator and will be a champion for our services.”
It’s hard not to wonder whether hiring Vincent is yet another move on the elaborate chess board on which the current labor battle between the league and the union is playing out. Previously, Vincent was a key cog in the union machine. Now, he’s part of the NFL.
Though the league surely would insist that there’s no connection between the hiring of Vincent and the CBA skirmish, everything seems to be connected to the ongoing labor conundrum.
