Jon Runyan Named NFL's VP Of Policy And Rules Administration
By Michael Hurley, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- It's been a season of sweeping change in the NFL front offices, and the most recent news out of Park Avenue is that longtime offensive lineman and former Congressman Jon Runyan has been named vice president of policy and rules administration.
The role was previously filled my Merton Hanks, a former All-Pro safety who left the job in April.
Runyan, 42, played for the Titans, Eagles and Chargers between 1996 and 2009, and he became the fourth NFL player to become a member of Congress in 2010. He left office after not seeking re-election in 2014.
In his new role with the NFL, Runyan will "oversee club and game-related initiatives related to players," "will serve as commissioner [Roger] Goodell's designee for on-field discipline as agreed upon by the NFL and NFLPA in Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement and also supervise the Uniform and Protective Equipment Inspection Program.
Article 46, of course, has played a central role for the NFL's cases against both Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson, so it's noteworthy that Article 46 was listed as a specific part of Runyan's responsibility.
"Jon's breadth of experience from the gridiron to the halls of Congress to the NFL offices brings a unique perspective shaped by leadership as a player and in public service," NFL executive VP of football operations Troy Vincent said. "He is a welcome addition to our team as we work to advance and grow the game, and develop all football personnel and players."
Since February, reports have surfaced about potential changes to the NFL's disciplinary system -- changes which would diminish Goodell's role in the process. In March, the NFLPA seemingly went so far as to characterize the change as a "stripping" of Goodell's powers.
While that appears to have been an extreme version of the scenario, and while that optimism from the union seemed to fade considerably in April, the appointment of Runyan at least shows one change in the process that's being put into place.