Roger Goodell, DeMaurice Smith Speak At NFLPA Rookie Symposium

Edwards’ basic message was to remember the cross between talent and production. Your talent is natural and every rookie has some semblance of talent. But the ones that make it in the NFL -- and stay there -- are the ones that can combine that talent with production.

Some might say this was a sermon and not a speech because Edwards really does come across as a preacher. That said, he does have the background to back it up. He went undrafted into the NFL before breaking in and staying in the league for 10 years. From there, he got into coaching for two decades, including two stints as a head coach, before moving to ESPN as an NFL analyst.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith made the trip from their meetings in Minnesota down to Florida to speak to rookies at the NFLPA rookie symposium. The trip is especially noteworthy because the two flew on the same plane at a time when many believe the NFL lockout is close to ending.

It has to be considered good news that the relationship between the two appears to be improving. While we want the lockout to end right now, we also want labor peace for the foreseeable future and that can be achieved only if Goodell and Smith can trust each other and work well with each other.

Reports coming out about the NFLPA rookie symposium currently being conducted in Florida have noted that only 150 or so of the 254 draft picks were in attendance. That’s lead some to criticize those who didn’t show up but what’s also noteworthy is who did show up.

According to Jim Trotter of SI.com, former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor is in attendance at the symposium. That’s a little surprising because I didn’t think many (if any) undrafted players would attend.

Because of the NFL lockout, the annual rookie symposium, which helps rookies transition to the fame and wealth of being an NFL player, was canceled. It was believed to be the first NFL event canceled due to the NFL lockout.

Some of them will listen; at least the ones that showed up. Via Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com:

Earlier this month, an NFL spokesman confirmed that the league was canceling the annual rookie symposium which is a way for incoming rookies to become acclimated to the league dealing with the issues that come along with turning into a rich celebrity overnight.

With the NFL lockout and the uncertainty that brings, the rookie symposium was canceled and we thought a new set of players wouldn’t have the same advantage others did by attending the symposium.