2017 Black History Month
The NFLPA celebrates Black History Month by saying thank you to these 10 African-American pioneers, whose courage and service helped make our union what it is today.
GENE UPSHAW
The Pro Football Hall of Famer’s activism as a player and his extensive accomplishments in 25 years as the union’s Executive Director are unmatched.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-gene-upshaw-s-legacy
KERMIT ALEXANDER
During his seven-year tenure with the NFLPA, Alexander was one of three players to participate in both the 1970-71 and 1974-77 collective bargaining negotiations.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-fighting-on-the-front-lines-of-change
DAVE DUERSON
From the end of his rookie season, when he was elected as the Chicago Bears alternate player rep, to his tragic death, Duerson fought for players – past, present and future.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-making-the-ultimate-sacrifice
CLARK GAINES
As a former player, NFLPA player rep and union staff member, Gaines’s constant support of the NFLPA and its members forged the path for many who came after him.
JOHN MACKEY
As the first President of the combined NFLPA and a strong voice for the players, Mackey’s efforts helped the union garner respect as a professional organization.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/news/nflpa-honors-60-heroes
SAM McCULLUM
McCullum’s fortitude and persistence during a tense time between the NFL, its owners and the NFLPA in the mid-1970s led to a major victory in the fight for player rights.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-sam-mccullum-s-fearless-leadership
FREEMAN McNEIL
As the main plaintiff in the NFLPA’s antitrust lawsuit against the NFL in 1990, McNeil was instrumental in earning the right of free agency for his fellow players.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-sacrifice-and-strength-for-the-greater-good
BRIG OWENS
His role as a player rep and a union leader helped the union deliver on a number of important projects while also creating a stronger sense of solidarity.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-brig-owens-continues-to-push-union-forward
MARVIN POWELL
The former Pro Bowl offensive lineman went from being one of the NFLPA’s biggest critics to one of its greatest supporters.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-tackling-the-issues-head-on
REGGIE WHITE
Known as the “Minister of Defense,” one of White’s greatest defensive acts as a player was serving as the lead plaintiff in the case that helped pave the way for free agency in the NFL.
Read More: https://www.nflpa.com/60-heroes-minister-of-defense-for-free-agency
