Roger Goodell speaks Craig Thomas

Roger Goodell had a press conference today in Chicago following the NFL Meetings.

There was only one topic covered at this get-together.

“Labor was the only item we discussed today,” Goodell said. “We went through [the CBA talks] in great detail with our ownership so they’re up to speed.”

How optimistic is Goodell on the labor front?

“I think it’s a tremendous positive that the principals are talking.,” Goodell said. “Hopefully we’ll all be successful in reaching an agreement that’s fair and balanced for everybody.”

While the talks are progressing, there is still a lot of work to do.

“I think anytime you’re dealing with the NFL and the 32 clubs with 1,800 players, you’re going to have different perspectives and different elements that people might not see eye to eye on,” Goodell said. “But I think the objective is to get something that works for everybody; to continue to grow our game.”

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