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New York Times
38 minutes ago
- Business
- New York Times
Packers' new era: How Ed Policy's journey prepared him for top job
More than three decades before he negotiated contracts for Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur, Ed Policy was part of Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young's contract negotiation. Kind of. Carmen Policy, Ed's father, was the Super Bowl-winning president and CEO of the San Francisco 49ers from 1991 to 1997. He negotiated with Young's super-agent, Leigh Steinberg, via old-fashioned car phone with Ed riding shotgun en route to training camp. Ed only heard one side of the conversation, but his interest was piqued. Advertisement He peppered his father with questions after overhearing such talks. Why is each side approaching a negotiation in a certain way? Why is a player holding out? How are they allowed to hold out? 'Listening to him negotiate contracts, listening to him talk to head coaches about difficult things, talk to Bill Walsh or talk to GMs about difficult things, those were great experiences,' Policy said. 'We talked about the NFL and the business of the NFL and pro football every night at the dinner table.' Policy, 54, will rely on those lessons as he assumes the role of Packers president and CEO on Friday. For an organization without a traditional owner, Policy will be the closest thing to it. Mark Murphy has led the team for the past 17 years, but per Packers bylaws, executive committee members must retire at 70, an age Murphy reached on July 13. Policy, who has served as Packers general counsel, vice president and chief operating officer since 2012, will now sit atop the food chain of one of the most iconic and unique organizations in sports. 'Ed is absolutely ready and will do a great job,' Murphy said. 'He's very sharp, knows the league inside and out … he's been invaluable to the organization during his tenure here.' Other NFL team presidents have minimal influence on football decisions, but Policy's primary duty will be to oversee, evaluate and ultimately hold accountable the GM and head coach. He rose to the top of an NFL organization not by outbidding billionaires — or being born to one — but by proving his worth to the Packers, beginning with a chance meeting with Murphy in a New York City hotel lobby over 13 years ago, and culminating in his selection from nearly 100 other candidates to lead the franchise, guided by lessons he learned from his father. 'Winning Super Bowls and celebrating Super Bowls and drinking champagne were great memories,' Policy said. 'But the things I really rely on now, the lessons, are really watching him struggle through some of the tougher times.' Advertisement Atop the list of difficult decisions Carmen made with the 49ers was the 1993 trade of quarterback Joe Montana, who won four Super Bowls and three Super Bowl MVPs in 14 years in San Francisco. Montana had missed the majority of the 1991 and 1992 seasons, and though he still had plenty left in the tank, it was finally Young's time to take over. The 49ers didn't have the manpower to sort through all the hate mail they received after moving on from Montana, so they stored it in a warehouse. 'I remember talking to him about it and (saying), 'Gosh, they're writing this stuff about you,' and he would say, 'Well, thank God they care … They don't like this decision right now. I hope in time, they come to really like it, but thank goodness they care,'' Policy recalled. 'If it was the right thing for the 49ers, he always did it.' Sure enough, Young won Super Bowl MVP two seasons later. Carmen wasn't a lifelong football man, but a lawyer from Youngstown, Ohio, one who counted 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo among his clients. DeBartolo wanted Carmen as his consigliere in San Francisco. Carmen, smooth, intelligent and charismatic, was a clean-up man for DeBartolo, a mercurial head of the organization who tended to turn nuclear. Carmen was organized and respected by then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue and worked with Walsh and others on personnel decisions. Ed may not exhibit as much influence on Packers personnel matters, but he inherited his father's thick skin for when difficult decisions arise. 'He's so much better than I am in so many ways,' Carmen, 82, said. 'He's a little more deliberate and will condition himself to be able to anticipate what the problems are and how better to handle it in advance (rather) than allowing 'em to get too far out of line.' As he watched his father stand firm while trading a franchise icon in Montana 32 years ago, Policy likely didn't imagine he'd one day make a similar call with the Packers after stops at Stanford Law School, the Arena Football League, the NFL office, and beyond. Regardless of what those outside — or even inside — 1265 Lombardi Ave. may think, Policy said he will always do whatever best helps the Packers win. Advertisement Whether it was the Montana trade, the Packers firing Mike McCarthy in 2018 after almost 13 years as head coach, Green Bay drafting quarterback Jordan Love in the 2020 first round with four years left on Aaron Rodgers' contract or refusing to trade a disgruntled Rodgers in 2021 despite his agent's request, Policy has seen firsthand how to follow the principle that could determine whether the Lombardi Trophy returns to Green Bay for the first time in 15 years. More than 10,000 Packers fans are expected to gather in the Lambeau Field bleachers Friday, well before the season's first public practice or game inside the stadium. The Packers call this gathering their Annual Meeting of Shareholders. They're the only publicly owned team in North America's four major professional sports leagues. Their 'owners' are fans, players and others who have bought shares of the team for anywhere from $5 to $300 during one of six stock sales over the last 102 years (their stake doesn't offer return on investment or give them input in football decisions). The meeting, held to invite shareholders to discussions about the team's financials, the prior season's performance and offseason moves, carries added significance this year. In what is hardly the traditional behind-closed-doors setting for ratifying an NFL ownership change, the Packers' equivalent will happen on a stage in front of thousands. While Policy has acclimated to his new role since the Packers announced their succession plan last June, he has been preparing for his turn in charge for much longer. Whenever Murphy encountered a challenging or unique decision, Policy would role-play while driving home from Lambeau Field, putting himself in Murphy's shoes and imagining how he'd handle it. He said he's been doing that since he joined the organization in 2012. Those reps paid off last year during Policy's final in-person interview, for which Murphy was present. 'There were a few moments where I began the answer and sometimes Mark would even kind of finish for me,' Policy said. 'The panel would kind of look at him … and at first I thought, 'Geez, Mark, this is my interview,' but then I realized it was such a great moment because it really showed how in tune I was with his thinking. Advertisement 'You'd have to ask the panel, I even think that went a long way in their selection because certainly, I think continuity has always been a hallmark of the Packers way.' Policy speaks with his father via telephone twice weekly to solicit advice or feedback. 'I'm pleased to see that he's not bored with me,' said Carmen, 82. This offseason, Policy asked Murphy's predecessor, Bob Harlan, if he had 20 minutes to chat. Policy and the 88-year-old Harlan, who worked for the Packers from 1971-2008 and served as CEO from 1989-2008, spoke for three hours at a high-top table on Lambeau Field's club level. 'I didn't know him at all,' Harlan said. 'I knew his dad very well because his dad was working with the 49ers when I was working with the Packers, so I started to see him at league meetings all the time, and he was a very capable administrator. I've got a son who is an agent and he used to deal a lot with Ed when Ed was in the (AFL), and so he's raved about him. 'He'll do an excellent job. Couldn't be a better choice because he's sound, he's intelligent, he'll be careful in his decision-making.' Despite his newfound authority and a heightened urgency to reach the game's biggest stage again entering Gutekunst's eighth season, LaFleur's seventh and Love's third as starter, Policy wants little to no influence on personnel matters. He's keeping the structure that Murphy implemented in 2018, in which the general manager, head coach and executive vice president/director of football operations report directly to the president. Previously, only the GM reported to the president while the other two reported to the GM. Murphy changed the hierarchy seven years ago so Gutekunst, then a new GM, could focus on personnel and not have to oversee McCarthy and Russ Ball, the team's executive VP and director of football operations, who remains in the role. 'What I see the president's role being in this structure is to be kind of the chief facilitator,' Policy said. 'Selecting football leadership, guiding them and giving them all the resources they need and supporting them, evaluating them and then ultimately holding them accountable. Really, I think it's important to let them do their jobs.' Advertisement Continuity is synonymous with the Packers. They've had two GMs in the last 20 years, two head coaches in the last 19 and three starting quarterbacks in the last 33. They made the playoffs in 13 of Murphy's 17 years in charge. Winning consistently has kept the Packers among the NFL's elite franchises. However, Murphy wrote in his penultimate monthly Q&A on that he regrets delivering only one Super Bowl appearance during his tenure. How Gutekunst and LaFleur do their jobs this season might dictate whether Policy brings them back in 2026. It will likely be his first significant decision in charge. The GM and head coach each have two years remaining on their contracts, and Policy isn't extending them now. He also doesn't want either in lame-duck contract years next season. Policy could be leaning toward keeping the pair — he served on the hiring panels for both, raved about what they've done since and has strong personal and professional relationships with them — but in what will be an early test, Policy must do what his father taught him: put personal feelings aside to make the best decision for the Packers. (Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; Mike Roemer / Associated Press)
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alex Anzalone passed conditioning test, but didn't practice Sunday
Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone was not among the players that the team placed on the physically unable to perform or non-football injury lists ahead of their first training camp practice, but Anzalone did not take part in Sunday's session. Head coach Dan Campbell said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, that Anzalone "crushed" the team's conditioning test after skipping the team's voluntary work this offseason. Anzalone's absence was linked to his contract. Anzalone is heading into the final year of his three-year, $18 million deal with the team and he's made comments suggesting that he'd like an upgraded contract before the start of the 2025 season. Campbell told reporters that he does not think that Anzalone is holding in by reporting to camp and not practicing in a bid to land that contract, but it remains to be seen when the veteran will be back on the field for Detroit.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Back to School? Bengals' 1st-Round Pick Shemar Stewart Working Out With Texas A&M Again
Rookies and veterans report to Cincinnati Bengals training camp on July 18 and July 22. For now, it doesn't look like either Trey Hendrickson or Shemar Stewart will be in attendance, but that could change over the next few days. For now, both are frustrated with the lack of progress on getting a contract agreed to with the Bengals' front office. Hendrickson is coming off an All-Pro season where he led the NFL in sacks, whereas Stewart is an unproven player who shouldn't have much to negotiate on contracts that are mostly predetermined. However, the notoriously cheap Bengals are being especially stingy this time around. The Bengals would prefer to be able to have the ability to void the rookie's contract in the future if he gets in trouble or otherwise is involved in conduct that is deemed to be detrimental to the team. Meanwhile, many other rookie contracts do not include that specific clause. In other words, Stewart simply wants the same deal that hundreds of other players have already received, but the Bengals are seeking other ways they can potentially save a few bucks in the case of an emergency. Nevertheless, Stewart is apparently over it. According to 247 Sports' Bud Elliot, instead of getting ready to practice with the team that selected him 17th overall in the first round, he's now returning to his college team to practice with Texas A&M. 'A guy who has had some good [Texas] A&M stuff in the past, he hit me, he's like, 'Hey, Shemar might end up back here… He has been at College Station. He has been fully involved in workouts. He could try to come back and play again this season and go into the draft again next year.' 247 Sports' Bud Elliot on Shemar Stewart It's an unprecedented move, but Stewart apparently is operating with the belief that he can simply return to college football and re-enter the draft next year and hope to avoid getting selected by the Bengals all over again. If Stewart does not sign his Bengals contract, the team would receive no compensation from the NFL of any kind, as they look at it as Cincinnati failing to negotiate on good terms. Related: Related Headlines Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Starter Claims Team Traded Him Out of Fear Tigers Slugger Riley Green Turned Down Multiple Home Run Derby Invites? San Diego Padres game today: Includes full 2025 Padres schedule NHL Rumors: Florida Panthers Trading Evan Rodrigues Now Nearly Guaranteed?
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
McLaurin casts doubt on attending Commanders training camp given lack of progress on a new contract
FILE - Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) looks on from the sideline during an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski, File) LAUREL, Md. (AP) — A week before veterans arrive for Washington Commanders training camp, top wide receiver Terry McLaurin did not commit to practicing with the rest of the team, expressing frustration over a lack of progress toward a new contract. McLaurin said Tuesday after taping a local television commercial he wants 'things to work out ... but at the end of the day, it takes two to tango.' Advertisement 'I don't know what happens next,' McLaurin said. 'But without any progressive discussions, it's kind of hard to see how I step on the field.' What happens next, starting with his attendance at training camp or seeking a trade, is unclear. Instead of building on a dynamic passing connection with Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels, McLaurin skipped mandatory minicamp and some voluntary workouts this spring. 'I've been pretty frustrated — I'm not gonna lie,' McLaurin said in his first expansive comments on the contract talks, which became a 30-minute discussion with reporters. 'Everything that has transpired to this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I've wanted to continue my career here. I've created my life here.' McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, signed a three-year, $68.2 million extension in 2022 under the Commanders' previous regime. His $23.2 million average annual salary ranks 17th among active wide receivers after the New York Jets agreed with Garrett Wilson on a four-year, $130 million extension Monday. McLaurin's 2025 base salary is $15.5 million. Advertisement He had a career-high 13 touchdowns last season, his fifth in a row surpassing 1,000 yards receiving, on 82 receptions. McLaurin added another three touchdowns and 227 yards on 14 catches in three playoff games as Washington reached the NFC championship game for the first time since 1991. Instead of that success leading to smooth extension talks, McLaurin said his camp has not heard from the front office in the past month. McLaurin, a 2019 third-round pick out of Ohio State, said his status for training camp and future with the organization are 'up in the air.' That is a twist for someone who had been a face of the franchise before Daniels' arrival, producing on teams with a rotating cast of suspect QBs. That changed last season as the Commanders won 12 regular-season games with Daniels running the offense. Only Daniels rivals McLaurin's popularity among fans and for his locker room leadership. Advertisement 'I understand that everything is a business, but at the same time, I want to put myself in a position where I'm valued and I feel appreciated and things like that,' McLaurin said. 'Unfortunately, that hasn't transpired the way I wanted it to.' The Commanders have remained quiet during the protracted negotiations beyond general manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn expressing a desire to keep McLaurin around for a long time. While Wilson is on the verge of 25, McLaurin's primary comparison may be closer to fellow 2019 draft pick D.K. Metcalf, who is two years younger and signed a $132 million extension with Pittsburgh following an offseason trade from Seattle. 'I think how the market is today, I think it pretty much conveys what guys of my caliber are deserving of," McLaurin said. "I feel like I fit in that box because of how I've always carried myself on and off the field and the value I know I bring to a team.' Advertisement The topic of age befuddles McLaurin, who has not missed a game since 2020. He noted that he wasn't a full-time player until deep into his Ohio State career and that this will only be his seventh NFL season. 'I'm not dismissing (age) completely,' McLaurin said. 'There are data points to support that, but how come it's not OK to say this may be a different case, and based on what he's proven, showing no signs of deterioration? I feel that should be acknowledged, as well.' ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Schefter: Steelers, T.J. Watt Not Very Close to Deal Right Now
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt during a playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 11, 2025. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now ESPN insider Adam Schefter reveals talks between the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker T.J. Watt have not gone well. Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt is still waiting to receive the payday he's looking for entering the final year of his contract. ESPN insider Adam Schefter isn't so sure that is coming anytime soon, either. Advertisement 'Everybody has just assumed, rightfully, that the two sides will figure it out. But I don't think they're very close right now, and I don't think he's particularly pleased,' Schefter said on the 'Pat McAfee Show.' 'He's such a big part of the team, you cannot imagine him not being there. But you would think this situation would be settled by now and it's not.' The Steelers seem to be doing everything but pay Watt. On Monday, they made a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins to acquire cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. As part of the deal, Pittsburgh gave Ramsey and Smith raises for the 2025 season, money that Watt may have thought could be going to him. Advertisement 'It could change just like that, and they could figure out a way to get it done,' Schefter said. 'But you know what? They just gave Jonnu Smith more money. They just gave Jalen Ramsey more money. They haven't given T.J. Watt more money, and you just wonder how that's going to play out here in the coming weeks.' Watt is coming off the least-productive full season of his NFL career, but he still proved to be a difference maker while recording 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles. Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt during a game against the New York Giants on Oct. 28, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now It's unclear how much money Watt is looking to get in his next extension, but many believe he wants to top Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who was made the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history this offseason. Advertisement Garrett's contract extension pays him $40 million per year. Meanwhile, Watt is scheduled to earn just $21.05 million in salary in 2025, none of which is guaranteed. Time is ticking for the Steelers and Watt to find common ground with training camp just around the corner. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Schefter: Steelers, T.J. Watt Not Very Close to Deal Right Now Related Headlines
