Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who looks a hell of a lot younger than 71, has embarked on a strong effort to get the NFL and the players to get the labor situation resolved. Last week, Fran Tarkenton told Dino Costa of Sirius Mad Dog Radio that the former Vikings and Giant (and Viking) could negotiate a settlement in two minutes.
Tarkenton also has taped a six-minute video plea to the parties via his website, OneMoreCustomer.com, and he appeared earlier tonight on CNN to discuss the situation.
“I could be the mediator and I could get Jerry Jones and Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis and Drew Brees and that group in a room and we cannot eat or drink until we get a settlement,” Tarkenton said.
“In any partnership -- and they are partners, the owners and the players are partners -- you want to make sure your partner has a good deal,” Tarkenton said. “If you’re partner has a good deal, you’ve got a sustainable partnership. And the owners have got to make sure it’s a good deal for the players, and the players have got to make sure it’s a good deal for the owners, and come together and get this thing fixed before it’s too late and we have a season delay or cancellation.”
Fran fears a fan rebellion. The league’s deeper fear should be apathy. Either way, Fran’s right. These partners need a deal that helps each side thrive.
It seems like everyone realizes this. Except, of course, the owners and the players.