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In an unprecedented move, veteran NFL running backs have banded together to tackle the concerning state of their position’s market.
A league source tells ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, that a group text chain has been formed, serving as a platform for these players to share their concerns, discuss potential strategies, and rally for improvements.
The initiative comes as franchise tagged players Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys failed to secure long-term deals by the recent deadline.
This unsettling development has raised alarm bells across the league and prompted a vocal response from other star running backs such as Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Derrick Henry (Titans), Najee Harris (Steelers), and Jonathan Taylor (Colts), who took to Twitter to express their apprehensions.
This is Criminal. Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position. https://t.co/zDXRS5cGdu
— Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) July 17, 2023
At this point , just take the RB position out the game then . The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization , just seems like it don’t even matter . I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve . https://t.co/OgvBWZCKvn
— Derrick Henry (@KingHenry_2) July 17, 2023
SMH crazy https://t.co/a8NdzKlEm8
— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) July 17, 2023
Acknowledging that voicing their grievances on social media alone may not yield immediate results, the running backs seem determined to amplify their concerns as loudly as possible.
The challenges faced by running backs in the modern NFL are multifaceted. With an increasing emphasis on passing offenses and running back committees becoming more common, the market for experienced rushers has seen a decline in recent years.
Their primary objective seem to be to draw attention from various people, including the media, fans, and the NFL Players Association.
The veteran running backs believe that their position has been undervalued for too long, despite the undeniable impact they bring to the game.
They hope that by uniting their voices, they can prompt both the league and the NFL Players Association to acknowledge and address the issue head-on.