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    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:

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