Tom Brady, NFL Players React to Vote Approving New CBA with 17-Game Schedule

Tyler Conway @jtylerconwayFeatured ColumnistMarch 15, 2020

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Sam Acho (96) works on special teams against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)

Mark LoMoglio/Associated Press

The NFL Players Association announced it voted in favor of the proposed collective bargaining agreement Sunday, but a close vote of 1,019 to 959 created mixed reaction around the league.

"We are pleased that the players have voted to ratify the proposed new CBA, which will provide substantial benefits to current and retired players, increase jobs and ensure continued progress on player safety, and give our fans more and better football," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

NFLPA president JC Tretter released a statement calling on players to "unite and move forward" together:

JC Tretter @JCTretter
https://t.co/NC1eVue22U

Tom Brady responded to an open letter from DeMaurice Smith, the head of the NFLPA, telling him "well done" on getting the deal completed.

Tom Brady @TomBrady
@DeSmithNFLPA @AdamSchefter Well done De

Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu was among the players excited about the vote.

Tyrann Mathieu @Mathieu_Era
THANK YOU GOD.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Sam Acho provided an explainer of what the new CBA means for fans and players:

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Sam Acho @TheSamAcho
BREAKING NEWS: The #cba vote is officially out. Here what the players voted and here’s why it matters: https://t.co/W0YkS2lOqk

The new collective bargaining agreement calls for owners to have an option to expand the regular season to 17 games and the playoffs by adding one additional team per conference; only the top team in each respective conference will receive a first-round bye.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey was disappointed by voter turnout:

Marlon Humphrey @marlon_humphrey
It’s good and bad to this deal I could see why anyone would vote either way. I just think it’s amazing guys don’t even care.

Chiefs linebacker Damien Wilson did not share his teammates' enthusiasm for the deal, saying the players "folded" in negotiations:

Damien Wilson @dwilson_6
🔴 we folded as a group smh

Damien Wilson @dwilson_6
🔴🤕wow yall really let me down

Tight end Eric Ebron expressed his dismay with the deal, while Chicago Bears wideout Allen Robinson and Indianapolis Colts safety Darius Leonard chimed in to agree:

Allen Robinson II @AllenRobinson
@Ebron85 So weak fam, dudes wanna vote outta fear. It really show where dudes head at

Darius Leonard @dsleon45
@Ebron85 Man I’m so hot bruh‼️🤬

Robinson expressed his opinions even stronger with another tweet:

Allen Robinson II @AllenRobinson
Trash, freaking trash

Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said he disagreed with the decision to ratify the CBA but said it's time to rally around the opinion of the collective:

Malcolm Jenkins @MalcolmJenkins
The democratic process has played itself out. We must be committed to unifying our current and former members. While I don’t agree with the decision because of its negative impacts on some current and former players, I do respect our process and will push forward accordingly. https://t.co/O0Pe1dg0L2

Suffice it to say, it doesn't appear Jenkins' call to rally around the deal has reached players yet.

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