To say Jeff Pash, who is now retiring from the NFL, was “only” the league’s general counsel, would be a disservice to his prominence and importance to the league over decades. He was so much more than that.Pash stood out among the many in the industry working for leagues, owners and teams. Pash was a guiding hand not only for Roger Goodell, but also for the “members,” as owners are sometimes called in meetings.
A decade ago, the league faced a potential existential threat as thousands of concussion lawsuits alleged post-career brain trauma. Pash led the global settlement with more than 20,000 retired players, staving off litigation that could have cost billions. While it continues to surface from time to time, the concussion issue is no longer a threat to the NFL’s continued prosperity and popularity.
Beyond his professional abilities, my lasting impression of Pash is that he treated everyone he met with the same respect and dignity as he treated owners. I remember times at NFL meetings when, as other senior NFL executives looked past me to find someone more important, Pash was happy to engage, to talk about our families and interests. He was so approachable that I remember thinking,That kindness is rare among leaders of a $20 billion a year business.
Rodgers and Love were drafted 24th and 26th; Penix was drafted eighth. Favre and Rodgers starred for the Packers for over a decade when their replacements were drafted; Cousins has yet to play a snap on a new contract. While it is the same premise of a succession plan, this is different. And I don’t get it., who will add at least $100 million from the Falcons to his $300 million in career earnings.
The Cleveland Browns also want taxpayers to foot half the bill for either a proposed $2.4 billion domed stadium or a $1 billion renovation of their existing stadium.