60 Heroes: A Central Force for the NFLPA

As the starting center for the Washington Redskins from 1964 to 1977, Len Hauss led his club on and off the field. His leadership made the Redskins one of the strongest union teams during this time. Hauss, who was selected to six Pro Bowls over his career, served as Washington’s Player Rep from 1974 through his retirement in 1979.

When the NFLPA went without a new CBA for three years (1974 through 1976) and the owners refused to check off union dues, Hauss collected personal checks from his teammates and the Redskins had the highest number of dues payers of any team in the NFL. He also led his team in its decision to strike in support of the New England Patriots during the first week of the 1975 season, when the Patriot players boycotted practices and games in protest of the NFL owners' failure to bargain in good faith over a new CBA.

Soon after, Hauss was elected to the NFLPA Executive Committee and was actively involved in negotiating a settlement in 1977, which ended a three-year fight in the courts over the Rozelle Rule. After signing a new CBA as NFLPA Vice President in 1977, Hauss was elected as President and served in that capacity until his retirement.