In the high-stakes world of professional football, NFL holdouts have become a contentious issue that can shape a team’s destiny. These prolonged absences from training camp often stem from contract disputes, with players seeking better compensation or guaranteed money. The impact of holdouts on team chemistry, player value, and overall performance has made them a critical aspect of the modern NFL landscape.
Throughout NFL history, several notable holdouts have left an indelible mark on the sport. From legendary players like John Hannah and Emmitt Smith to more recent cases involving Le’Veon Bell and Earl Thomas, these standoffs have tested the resolve of both players and teams. Looking back at some of the significant holdouts it only proves that prolonged holdouts do more harm than good, for both sides.
1977 Patriots OL Fiasco
In 1977, All-Pro offensive guard John Hannah and left tackle Leon Gray staged a dramatic holdout from the New England Patriots. The dispute arose when their agent, Howard Slusher, convinced them they were underpaid . After the final preseason game, Hannah and Gray left the team, shocking fans and teammates. This holdout was not Hannah’s first clash with the Patriots organization.
The absence of Hannah and Gray significantly weakened the Patriots’ offensive line, which had been the team’s forte in previous years. The holdout affected team dynamics, with some younger players expressing discontent with Hannah’s actions and his anti-union stance during the previous year’s NFL strike. The impact extended beyond the field, as fans struggled to comprehend the situation. It’s not like fans had the abundance of talk shows and content we have today.
Resolution
Although the holdout eventually ended, its effects lingered. Hannah later reflected on the experience, stating, “Fans think it’s about the money, but it’s really about respect.” The dispute left both sides bitter, with owner Billy Sullivan never forgiving the players for holding out, and Hannah harboring resentment over years of being severely underpaid. This holdout highlighted the complex nature of contract negotiations in professional sports, showing that some things will never change.
Emmitt Smith’s 1993 Cowboys Standoff
In 1993, Emmitt Smith, the two-time NFL rushing champion, found himself in a contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys. Contrary to popular belief, Smith didn’t hold out; his contract had expired, making him a restricted free agent. Smith sought to become the highest-paid running back in the NFL, aiming for “Thurman Thomas money.” Despite his status, no other team made him an offer during the 30-day negotiation period, leading Smith to reach out to Don Shula about playing for Miami.
The Cowboys played their first two games of the 1993 season without Smith, resulting in a 0-2 start. The team’s performance suffered significantly, with a 19-point loss to a struggling Washington Redskins team and a close 13-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills. Fans speculate that Cowboys players might have underperformed intentionally to pressure owner Jerry Jones into signing Smith. The absence of Smith highlighted his importance to the team’s success, despite the presence of other star players like Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin.
Outcome
Although Emmitt Smith was looking for QB money, the two parties found a middle ground. He signed a four-year contract worth $13.6 million, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL at the time. The deal included a $4 million signing bonus and a $3 million salary in the first year. Jones structured the contract to be front-loaded, addressing concerns about the impending NFL salary cap. Smith’s return to the team proved crucial, as he played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ success that season, and the duration of the contract.
Le’Veon Bell’s 2018 Steelers Absence
In 2018 Le’Veon Bell, coming off a Pro Bowl and All-Pro season, found himself in a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team placed the franchise tag on Bell for the second consecutive year. He returned after training camp in 2017, but this time around that was not the case. Seeking long-term stability and a lucrative contract, Bell decided to hold out, missing all team activities and the first nine regular season games.
Bell’s absence had significant implications for both the player and the team. He forfeited $855,529 per week during his 10-week holdout, totaling $8.6 million in lost earnings. The Steelers adapted by relying on James Conner, who performed admirably in Bell’s absence. This situation highlighted the NFL’s trend of replacing high-priced running backs with cost-effective alternatives. This was just one of the controversies in the Steelers “Killer-B’s” era.
End of Steelers Career
Bell’s holdout ended when he failed to report by the November 13 deadline, making him ineligible for the entire 2018 season. This decision effectively ended his tenure with the Steelers. Despite the financial losses, Bell later claimed the holdout “reset” his body and would help elongate his career. However, his performance in subsequent seasons did not justify his contract demands, ultimately impacting his long-term value in the NFL. He did sign a nice deal with the Jets, but not the $17 million annual salary he asked the Steelers for. Although the money was nice, the Jets were still terrible with Adam Gase calling the shots, and Bell never showed the same effectiveness in the post-Steelers NFL career.
Duane Thomas’ 1971 Cowboys Saga
In the summer of 1971, Duane Thomas, the National Conference Rookie of the Year, found himself in a contentious contract dispute with the Dallas Cowboys. Thomas, who had earned approximately $60,000 in his rookie season, sought to renegotiate his three-year contract. The Cowboys, however, refused to alter the terms, leading to Thomas’ decision to hold out from training camp .
Holdout Drama
The holdout quickly escalated into a public spectacle. At a news conference, Thomas unleashed a scathing critique of Cowboys management, calling Coach Tom Landry “so plastic, just not a man at all” and General Manager Tex Schramm “dishonest.” The situation reached a boiling point when the Cowboys traded Thomas to the New England Patriots. However, this move proved short-lived due to disagreements between Thomas and Patriots’ coach John Mazur over playing style.
NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle intervened at the Patriots’ request, facilitating Thomas’ return to Dallas after one week, voiding the trade. Despite the tumultuous offseason, Thomas had a productive 1971 season, rushing for 793 yards and scoring a league-leading 11 touchdowns. His performance contributed significantly to the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl victory, where he led both teams in rushing with 95 yards. Throughout the season, Thomas maintained a silent stance towards the media, with Coach Landry defending his focused approach to the game.
Eric Dickerson’s 1985 Rams Dispute
Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson staged a 47-day holdout with the Los Angeles Rams in 1985. The dispute arose from Dickerson’s dissatisfaction with his contract, which paid him a total of $2.2 million for four years. Despite leading the NFL in rushing for three of his four seasons with the Rams, including a historic 2,105-yard campaign in 1984, Dickerson felt underpaid. Another story of a running back who made the attempt to get QB money.
The holdout resulted in Dickerson missing two games of the 1985 season. It also strained his relationship with the Rams organization. Dickerson later expressed that while he loved his teammates, he “hated the organization” and felt they didn’t have his back. The dispute highlighted the growing tension between player compensation and team management in the NFL.
Eric Dickerson Holdout Legacy
Dickerson’s holdout had a lasting impact on NFL salary negotiations. It reportedly led to the creation of the “Dickerson Rule,” which raised the salary bar for running backs. Dickerson himself acknowledged the importance of holdouts in securing fair compensation, stating, “Football is a job. It’s about getting paid, that’s what it’s about.” His actions paved the way for future players to advocate for better contracts.
Earl Thomas’ 2018 Seahawks Holdout
Earl Thomas, a six-time Pro Bowl safety, announced his decision to hold out from Seattle Seahawks team activities in June 2018 . Thomas, entering the final year of his four-year, $40 million contract, sought a long-term extension. He expressed his desire to remain a Seahawk for the rest of his career but believed he had earned the right to a new contract based on his production over eight years.
The holdout carried significant financial risks for Thomas. He faced potential fines of up to $84,435 for missing mandatory mini-camp and $40,000 per day of training camp missed . Additionally, Thomas risked losing $500,000 for each regular-season game he missed. The Seahawks also had the option to trade Thomas, with the Dallas Cowboys previously offering a third-round pick.
Outcome
Despite not receiving a contract extension, Thomas ended his months-long holdout just before the 2018 season began. A choice he regrets to this day. Thomas broke his leg against the Arizona Cardinals leading to the famous picture of him flipping off the sideline as he was carted off. Leaving a relationship that could not be saved, Thomas signed with the Ravens.
Darrelle Revis’ 2010 Jets Standoff
In 2010 Darrelle Revis, the New York Jets’ All-Pro cornerback, initiated a contract holdout that lasted 35 days. Revis, scheduled to make $1 million that season, sought to become the highest-paid cornerback in the league, aiming for a salary of around $16 million per season. The Jets, however, offered $120 million over 10 years, while Revis demanded $160 million. The primary point of contention was guaranteed money, with Revis’ representatives claiming the Jets’ proposals didn’t include “a single dollar” of signing bonus.
Hard Knocks Coverage
The standoff intensified in the public eye, with Jets owner Woody Johnson stating he felt Revis “will not be on the New York Jets team this year” and calling the gap between the sides “insurmountable.” The media closely followed the situation, with constant updates reminiscent of the Brett Favre watch. With the Jets also staring in HBO’s Hard Knocks fans got insight on a holdout like never before. The prolonged negotiations affected team dynamics, with the Jets moving Antonio Cromartie to Revis’ spot and first-round pick Kyle Wilson taking the starting position on the right side.
Resolution
Despite the contentious negotiations, Revis ended his holdout just before the 2018 season began. He signed a four-year, $46 million deal with $32 million guaranteed . The resolution allowed the Jets to focus on football and the challenges ahead, removing a significant distraction from the team. Head coach Rex Ryan, who had flown to South Florida to discuss matters with Revis, emphasized the team’s ability to field a strong defense even without elite players. Those were just words as Revis needed to be back to lock down receivers to maximize Ryan’s defense.
Fred Dean’s 1984 49ers Absence
Fred Dean, a Hall of Fame defensive end, found himself in a contract dispute with the San Francisco 49ers in 1984. Coming off a stellar 1983 season with 17.5 sacks, including a then-record 6 sacks in a single game, Dean sought a significant pay raise. He was slated to earn $250,000 but demanded $800,000 for the year. The 49ers, facing another contract situation with Ronnie Lott, declined to meet Dean’s demands, leading to his decision to skip the first 10 games of the season.
Dean’s absence had a noticeable impact on the 49ers’ defense. Without him, the team failed to score a defensive touchdown and averaged less than three sacks per game. Despite this, San Francisco continued to win, compiling a 10-1 record by November. As the holdout stretched on, Dean risked becoming ineligible for postseason play. The situation reached a critical point when Dean stated, “If I can’t play this year, I’ll wait till next year.”
Fred Dean Holdout Conclusion
The impasse was finally resolved in mid-November through intense negotiations. Willie Brown, the California State Assembly Speaker, acted as a mediator during a 15-hour meeting at a Holiday Inn in Ohio. A deal was struck where Dean would play the 1984 season on his current salary and sign a four-year contract worth over $2 million the following year. Dean’s return electrified the team, with right guard Randy Cross comparing it to “a fifth-degree sensei from the Far East” joining a karate competition. Dean’s impact was immediate, recording four sacks in five regular-season games and a sack in each playoff game, helping the 49ers secure their second Super Bowl title.
Cornelius Bennett’s 1987 Colts Trade
Cornelius Bennett, the second overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft, found himself in a contract dispute with the Indianapolis Colts. Unable to reach an agreement, Bennett’s holdout lasted until late October, causing him to miss most of his rookie season.
On October 31, 1987, a massive three-way trade involving the Colts, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills resolved the dispute. The Colts traded Bennett’s rights to the Bills, who sent running back Greg Bell and draft picks to the Rams. In return, the Colts received star running back Eric Dickerson from the Rams.
Cornelius Bennett Career Impact
Despite playing only eight games as a rookie, Bennett recorded 8½ sacks. His addition to the Bills helped them become title contenders. Bennett went on to make five Pro Bowl appearances and played in five Super Bowls during his career. He finished third in team history for tackles and fourth in sacks with the Bills.
Bo Jackson’s 1986 Buccaneers Refusal
Bo Jackson’s refusal to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stemmed from a controversial visit to the team’s facilities. The Buccaneers claimed the visit was NCAA-approved, but it wasn’t, resulting in Jackson’s ineligibility for his final college baseball season. Jackson believed this was a deliberate attempt by the Buccaneers to force him into football, vowing never to play for them.
Despite the Buccaneers drafting him first overall in 1986, Jackson chose baseball. He signed with the Kansas City Royals for $1.07 million over three years, significantly less than the Buccaneers’ $7.6 million offer. Jackson made his MLB debut on September 2, 1986, after just 53 minor league games.
Drafted Again
The Buccaneers forfeited Jackson’s rights before the 1987 draft. Jackson re-entered the NFL draft and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round. Raiders owner Al Davis supported Jackson’s baseball career, allowing him to play both sports. This decision shaped Jackson’s unique dual-sport career in professional baseball and football.
John Riggins’ 1980 Washington Retirement
In July 1980, John Riggins requested to renegotiate his $300,000-per-year contract with the Washington Redskins. When the team refused, Riggins left training camp. The Redskins placed him on the left camp-retired list, making him ineligible to play for any other team in the league. Consequently, Riggins sat out the entire 1980 season.
New Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs traveled to Kansas to persuade Riggins to return in 1981. Riggins agreed to come back, but with one condition: a no-trade clause in his contract. His return was also influenced by Ed Garvey, the executive director of the NFL Players Association. Riggins famously declared, “I’m bored, I’m broke, and I’m back” upon his return.
Post-Holdout Success
After his return, Riggins’ performance improved significantly. In the 1982 playoffs, he gained 444 yards in victories over the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys. Riggins set a then-Super Bowl record with 166 yards on 38 carries in Super Bowl XVII, helping the Redskins defeat the Miami Dolphins 27-17 where he was named Super Bowl MVP.
Kelly Stouffer’s 1987 Cardinals Impasse
The sixth overall pick in the 1987 NFL draft, found himself in a contract dispute with the St. Louis Cardinals. Against his agent’s advice, Stouffer personally called owner Bill Bidwill to understand why the offered contract fell short of league standards. The Cardinals, anticipating relocation, aimed to keep payroll low, expecting Stouffer to accept a deal based on his projected second or third-round status.
Trade Disaster
Unable to reach an agreement, Stouffer sat out his entire rookie year. The following April, the Cardinals traded Stouffer’s rights to the Seattle Seahawks for three draft picks: a first-round pick in 1989 and two fifth-round picks in 1988 and 1989. Seattle, facing Dave Krieg’s declining performance, sought a potential replacement quarterback.
Stouffer’s NFL career never lived up to his draft position. With only 7 touchdowns, 19 interceptions, and a 54.5 efficiency rating, he failed to secure a full-time starting role . After brief stints with the Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, and Carolina Panthers, Stouffer’s professional career ended, marking him one of the biggest busts in history.
End the Holdouts
NFL holdouts have left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping contract negotiations and player-team dynamics. With all different demands and outcomes, it all hurts in the end. They’ve had a significant impact on team performance, alter careers and franchises.
The history of NFL holdouts serves as a reminder some of the business side to professional football never changes. While some holdouts have resulted in improved contracts and player empowerment, others have led to career setbacks and damaged partnerships. In the end, these high-stakes negotiations continue to play a crucial role in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, influencing how teams and players approach contract talks and value assessment.
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