No. 54: DeMaurice Smith

Midway through a 10-year collective bargaining agreement that championed long-term labor peace, there has been anything but. The gulf between the players and

Midway through a 10-year collective bargaining agreement that championed long-term labor peace, there has been anything but. The gulf between the players and the league has never been wider as they wage battles over the personal conduct policy, commissioner power and drug suspensions. DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, might not be around when the current CBA expires, but every move he makes now sets the table for a labor fight that already has both sides winding up.

— Jenny Vrentas