Hall of Famers Ronnie Lott and John Madden co-chair new
Player Safety Advisory Panel
Pro Football Hall of Famers Ronnie Lott and John Madden have been appointed co-chairs of a new Player Safety Advisory Panel, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today.
The panel of former NFL players, coaches, and one former general manager will provide recommendations on a variety of safety-related football matters to Commissioner Goodell, while taking a long-term view towards making the game safer for all players at every level of the sport.
Other members of the committee are Ernie Accorsi (former general manager), Antonio Freeman (former player), Patrick Kerney (former player), Willie Lanier (former player, Hall of Famer), Anthony Muñoz (former player, Hall of Famer), and Marty Schottenheimer (former player and head coach).
"We have been discussing the value of creating this type of independent advisory group for several months," said Ray Anderson, NFL executive vice president of football operations. "It is consistent with Commissioner Goodell's ongoing priority to always seek the views of players and coaches on football matters."
The Player Safety Advisory Panel will assist the NFL in reviewing all facets of the game involving player safety. Areas of focus will include:
» Developing proactive, substantive recommendations to promote the safety of all participants in the game.
» Reviewing playing rules, techniques, strategies, training methods, safety-related studies and equipment standards.
» Communicating with NFL players and coaches to gather information and to gain a greater insight about how the game is currently being played.
» Reviewing game video to study current trends and techniques.
» Promoting safe and successful playing techniques.
Lott, who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft, enjoyed a 14-year NFL career with the 49ers (1981-90), Los Angeles Raiders (1991-92), and New York Jets (1993-94). The Hall of Fame safety was selected to 10 Pro Bowls and won four Super Bowls during his illustrious career.
Madden served as head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978, leading the club to a 112-39-7 record and a win in Super Bowl XI. Following his coaching career, Madden turned to television, where over the next 30 years he won 16 Emmys and became one of the most acclaimed sports broadcasters in history, calling NFL games for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC before retiring in 2009.
