What seems to be years have only been a couple of months, as the struggle to overcome a possible lock out in the NFL and the contract agreement has been extended.

The extension has been given so that the Player’s Union, the owners, and the National Football League can come to a final verdict on whether there will be another season, and the adjustments that will be made. A $9 billion dollar industry, the NFL is at a crossroads, as the demands of the owners are not being supported by the players, and the demands of the players are still being discussed. For a greater income, the owners want the regular season to be expanded from sixteen games to eighteen games and a decreased player salary. Players believe that their safety will be at risk if the regular season is elongated, and without an increase in pay, there is little motivation for the players to play the extra two games. For an agreement to be reached, players want health benefits supplied by their team, and the improvement of protective gear, including helmets and shoulder pads. The players also want health benefits if they choose to retire. Although there are still many disputes to be resolved, a lock out is still on the horizon, which could terminate the 2011-2012 NFL season, including the profits acquired through television broadcasts, ticket sales and endorsements.  Worst of all, America’s most watched and supported sport will be on hiatus for a full season.