60 Heroes: A New Kind of Leadership

When DeMaurice Smith picked up the phone in 2008 and a search firm for the NFLPA’s vacant Executive Director position was on the other end, the lawyer’s first thought was “I’m not interested.” Smith, a successful federal prosecutor and defense lawyer, had designs on becoming the next U.S. attorney in the District of Columbia. But the prospect of working toward positive change for a union that desired a leader with business, legal and political experience eventually sold Smith on entering the process.

Since being unanimously elected as the NFLPA’s fourth Executive Director in 2009, Smith has helped both active and former players reap unprecedented advances and benefits. The University of Virginia School of Law graduate played a pivotal role in the collective bargaining sessions that ended the 2011 lockout, resulting in a 10-year agreement that, among other gains, implemented new health and safety protocols, set aside a large sum for retired player health benefits and provided players with the highest share of TV contract revenues in history.

Smith’s visionary work has quickly won over members, who have leaned more on the union in recent years amid increased concern over the long-term effects of injuries. Along with creating a pension system in which players and teams contribute to support retired players, Smith’s tenure has also seen the launch of The Trust, a branch of the NFLPA opened in 2013 that offers free services to former players in the areas of health and nutrition, career transition and financial education.

In recent years, Smith has successfully fought for the rights of his members in cases like Bountygate, where he helped clear the names of the accused New Orleans Saints players, and by securing the reinstatement of Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson in their high-profile legal battles.

Smith’s diligent work ethic and unquestioned commitment to the well-being and rights of his union members are why the NFLPA has continued to make gains in the areas of player safety, post-football careers and benefits.