Its Back!!!

Hello everyone!!  Its been way, way to long, but finally this ridiculous lockout is over, and therefore we can get back to talking football.  After 4 months of boredom, Roger Goodell (NFL commissioner) and DeMaurice Smith (NFLPA leader) today announced that 'Football is back'.  The players today voted for the proposed CBA deal, that will be in place for the next 10 years.  This means that there will be labour peace until at least 2021.  The next few days are going to be very hectic, so stick with nflgbview on twitter, for up to date news. 

I decided early on in this lockout that I was not going to write any posts on this blog until the lockout was lifted, because I did not want to write over and over again how 'a deal is almost done'.  But now we are up and running again, I hope that you will get back to checking out this website daily.  So a lot of the rules and stipulations set out by this deal are not fully known yet, but here is a rough guide for what to expect in the next few days:

Monday 25th July - The vote was passed, and at 11pm GMT, the free agent list will be published.

Tuesday 26th July - The doors on the teams facilities will be opened for the first time in 4 months to allow players in for training and conditioning work, as well as classroom study.

Teams can begin to sign their own draft picks and undrafted free agents.

Teams can start to negotiate with both their own, and other teams free agents, although no signings are allowed as yet.

Wednesday 27th July - Players are able to report to training camp.  It is estimated that 10 teams will start on Wednesday. (Further details will be posted when available.)

Thursday 28th July - An estimated 10 more training camps begin.

Teams are able to 'cut' players, as of 9pm GMT.

Friday 29th July - As of 11pm GMT, full free agency opens.  Teams are able to sign their own, and other teams free agents.

An estimated 10 more training camps begin.

Sunday 31st July - The remaining 2 training camps begin.

That is the schedule as of now, but this could change.  Be assured that if any changes are made, I will let you know.

The major point for us fans here in the UK is though that the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears at Wembley on the 23rd of October will now GO AHEAD!!  The NFL had put a deadline of 31st of July on getting the CBA sorted.

In celebration of the league getting back on its feet nflgbview has set up its fantasy football and pick em predictions competitions for the coming season.  If you would like to compete against me and other UK fans, please email me at nflgbview@googlemail.com and ask for an invite.

Looking forward to a great year, and a crazy next few days.  Keep in touch!