With hours till kickoff the UFPA issue the following statement and open letter to The Rock. The players did say they will participate in tonight’s game.
UFPA Letter
Dear Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson,
We, the United Football Players Association, which represents the players across the UFL, write to you today to ask for your help settling our ongoing contract dispute with the UFL, a league that you proudly co-own.
For months, we have been bargaining in good faith with your lawyers. The players haven’t been asking for the moon and the stars – just year-round healthcare or a salary increase sufficient to ensure that players can afford it on their own. As a former player, you know how rough the sport of football can be and how vital healthcare is.
Unfortunately, the folks who work for you have refused to bargain with us in good faith. To start, UFL CEO Russ Brandon and UFL EVP Daryl Johnston have refused to meet and bargain with players in person. Instead, they have threatened and retaliated against union leaders.
From what we’ve seen, it’s clear the UFL is willing to invest in everyone but the players – the guys who are suiting up every week and putting their bodies on the line.
We assume that all of this is news to you, and that Russ and Daryl have not told you where the negotiations really stand right now.
We know that you – a former player and proud union member – would not be OK with how this has gone down. You’ve said your goal for the UFL is “to create as many opportunities as possible for all the players to win on the field and IN LIFE.” We truly appreciate that and believe you mean it. That’s why today we are asking you to stand up for the players to ensure they can, in your words, “live their dreams and take care of their families.”
Again, we deeply appreciate all you have done for this league. Your success is an inspiration for many of the players and we know how passionate you are about doing right by the players.
Please help us resolve this dispute so that the players can shift all of their attention to chasing their dreams and putting on a show for the great fans of the UFL.
Sincerely,
The United Football Players Association
It should be noted that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was schedule to be at nights game however plans have changed. Now just United Football League owner Dany Garcia and UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon will be available to the media prior to the league’s first game of the 2025 season in Houston, Texas.
