Tom Condon relayed the fascinating and humorous story of Peyton Manning’s free agency

[Maleficent]

With 12 teams interested, Condon licked his chops, anticipating a certain record-breaking deal. Manning, however, was in charge; he would make four visits and then decide. Now down to four instead of twelve teams, Condon was disappointed but still confident in a megadeal.

Manning, however, said he wanted to pick the team first, before any negotiations would ensue, meaning Condon was now down to one team to negotiate with. And when Manning picked Denver, he simply asked Condon:

“What does Tom Brady make?”

“$18 million a year.”

“Then I don’t want to make a penny more than that.”

Condon’s visions of a $25 million a year deal were dashed, although the Broncos’ opening offer was $19.4 million a year. Condon phoned to tell Manning, who was incensed:

“I told you I didn’t want to make more than Brady!”

Condon apologized, hung up and called Manning’s wife, who responded, “I’ll take care of it,” and coaxed Manning to accept the Broncos’ offer.

Condon was also revealing in admitting that, in his 35 years as a player and agent, the NFLPA has never been able to make serious gains at the bargaining table like the MLBPA has, and admitted to the losses in the 2011 CBA negotiations.

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/03/25/nfl-ow...etings-primer/

[v2micca]

Condon was also revealing in admitting that, in his 35 years as a player and agent, the NFLPA has never been able to make serious gains at the bargaining table like the MLBPA has, and admitted to the losses in the 2011 CBA negotiations.

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/03/25/nfl-ow...etings-primer/

I wonder about this. Are the NFL owners just that much better. Is the MLBPA just that much better? Or is it something regarding the nature of the sport and how most players are so easily replaceable?

[Orange Habit]

I wonder about this. Are the NFL owners just that much better. Is the MLBPA just that much better? Or is it something regarding the nature of the sport and how most players are so easily replaceable?

The nature of the game might have something to do with it, but my first guess is that the NFLPA might not be preparing its members properly for a prolonged strike/lockout. Would most players be willing to save enough money to withstand a work stoppage that cancelled an entire season? Do the NFLPA's union dues collect enough to indemnify against such a work stoppage? Just a thought to consider...

[theAPAOps5]

With 12 teams interested, Condon licked his chops, anticipating a certain record-breaking deal. Manning, however, was in charge; he would make four visits and then decide. Now down to four instead of twelve teams, Condon was disappointed but still confident in a megadeal.

Manning, however, said he wanted to pick the team first, before any negotiations would ensue, meaning Condon was now down to one team to negotiate with. And when Manning picked Denver, he simply asked Condon:

“What does Tom Brady make?”

“$18 million a year.”

“Then I don’t want to make a penny more than that.”

Condon’s visions of a $25 million a year deal were dashed, although the Broncos’ opening offer was $19.4 million a year. Condon phoned to tell Manning, who was incensed:

“I told you I didn’t want to make more than Brady!”

Condon apologized, hung up and called Manning’s wife, who responded, “I’ll take care of it,” and coaxed Manning to accept the Broncos’ offer.

Condon was also revealing in admitting that, in his 35 years as a player and agent, the NFLPA has never been able to make serious gains at the bargaining table like the MLBPA has, and admitted to the losses in the 2011 CBA negotiations.

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/03/25/nfl-ow...etings-primer/

The bolded part is epic!

[Sly_Eli]

Shows that Peyton cares a lot what other people think about him. He didn't want to earn more than Brady if he couldn't perform better than him, which at the time he was quite unsure of. I think to him, a 1-2 million dollar difference seemed worth it if it saved him some criticism.

[UberBroncoMan]

Well Brady is making dick for money these next three years. I don't think Manning wants to take a $8-10 mill pay cut. Brady does it because his wife is beyond rich and because the extra cap lets the Patriots get people like Revis.

If we had $8 mill more cap this year we'd probably have DRC on the team still.

[Action]

Sounds like Manning would be willing to take a pay cut...

[TD4HOF]

I wonder about this. Are the NFL owners just that much better. Is the MLBPA just that much better? Or is it something regarding the nature of the sport and how most players are so easily replaceable?

The MLBPA is unbelievably strong, one of the best unions on the planet. Marvin Miller and Curt Flood set the table.

[BroncoBuff]

Dang, Peyton sounds kinda humble, almost selfless. I didn't think the big lug had it in him. I like him even more now


And it's too bad, but NFL players have had the least effective union for a long time. Its a union that's especially unresponsive to its lower-paid members. NFL players have the lowest minimum salaries, the fewest benefits near-term and long-term, and the fewest endorsements of all pro sports except soccer and minor league baseball. That's what happens when you have an ex-jock pushover as union president for 25 years. Actually, calling Gene a pushover is an insult to folding chairs and Frenchmen the world over. I apologize for that, mes amis qui capitulent.

"Minimum salaries will still be this much."

[BMORE]

Well Brady is making dick for money these next three years. I don't think Manning wants to take a $8-10 mill pay cut. Brady does it because his wife is beyond rich and because the extra cap lets the Patriots get people like Revis.

If we had $8 mill more cap this year we'd probably have DRC on the team still.

Manning has and would absolutely take a pay cut!

[Gutless Drunk]

[Eldorado]

I totally believe this story.