NFL Figure Criticized by DeMaurice Smith in Upcoming Book

DeMaurice "De" Smith, the former executive director of the NFL Players Association, is set to release a new book titled "Turf Wars" in early August. The book criticizes NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, former NFL general counsel Jeff Pash, and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Smith describes Goodell as "a cold, dark void" who worked for "madmen." Jerry Jones is portrayed as frugal despite his substantial net worth. Smith suggests that Jones would stop to pick up a dollar bill if he saw one on the ground.

In "Turf Wars," Smith also criticizes the group of NFL owners as "a cabal of greedy billionaires." However, he acknowledges Patriots owner Robert Kraft in the book's acknowledgements.

Jeff Pash, who retired in 2024 after 40 years with the league, is singled out by Smith as the most unscrupulous of all top NFL officials. Smith also takes aim at Aaron Rodgers, calling him "the god of Cheesehead Nation" and portraying him as isolated and dismissive.

Smith recounts an encounter with Rodgers in August 2021, where Rodgers asked him to call, prompting Smith to humorously contemplate running into traffic instead. Smith also criticizes Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins for his comments on players kneeling during the national anthem.

During his tenure as the NFLPA's executive director from 2009 to 2023, Smith navigated the 2011 NFL lockout and the "Deflategate" incident from the 2014 AFC championship game. He filed a complaint accusing NFL owners of collusion, which was ultimately dismissed by arbitrator Christopher Droney. Droney's 61-page document revealed that NFL owners were encouraged to reduce guarantees in player contracts, though it concluded there was no collusive conduct. The document was made public by Pablo Torre on his podcast last month.