60 Heroes: A Major Piece of NFLPA’s Support System

When Gene Upshaw stepped down as NFLPA President to take on the challenging job of Executive Director during the tumultuous 1980’s strikes, he needed a strong support system. Tom Condon was just that.

Condon took over the presidency after Upshaw, providing much needed support to the Executive Director who was struggling to rid the union of its substantial debts from the 1982 strike. The former Kansas City Chief Player Rep was instrumental in encouraging player participation in determining the union’s bargaining goals for the future, ensuring players had a voice and used that voice.

After his presidency and even after his retirement, Condon continued his involvement with the NFLPA. In 1986, Condon acted as an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee, helping in negotiations as the NFLPA focused on the fight for free agency. Post-football career, Condon became a successful agent, representing several NFL stars including Drew Brees, Matt Stafford, Matt Ryan, JJ Watt, Luke Kuechly and Peyton and Eli Manning. During his time as an agent, his support for the union hasn’t wavered. Condon served as a player trustee on the Bert Bell NFL Player Retirement Board and helped sue the owners over contributions they refused to make to the Retirement Plan in the late 1980’s.

Condon also helped negotiate a settlement in 1993 that provided retroactive increases in pension benefits for the long retired players who left the league before the pension plan was in place. In 2010, he stepped down from the Board to allow another former player to take his place. The former Boston College standout continues to represent many high profile players in the league as the head of football representation for Creative Artists Agency in Nashville, TN.