DeMaurice “De” Smith, the former executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), is set to release a revealing memoir titled Turf Wars in August. Although he stepped down from his role in 2023, Smith uses his upcoming book to deliver scathing criticisms of key NFL figures.
Among those targeted are commissioner Roger Goodell, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, former NFL general counsel Jeff Pash, and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Smith’s portrayals are far from flattering, describing Goodell as “a cold, dark void” and accusing Jones of extreme stinginess despite his vast wealth.
Jerry Jones, Jeff Pash and NFL Owners Portrayed as Greedy and Unethical Leaders
In Turf Wars, Jerry Jones is a focal point of Smith’s critique. Despite Jones’ immense net worth, Smith paints him as obsessively frugal, even joking that Jones wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a dollar off the ground.
The book extends this criticism beyond Jones, labeling NFL team owners collectively as “a cabal of greedy billionaires.” Interestingly, while most owners are condemned, Patriots owner Robert Kraft is acknowledged more favorably, earning a mention in the acknowledgments section of Smith’s book.
Among the many figures criticized, former NFL general counsel Jeff Pash receives the most severe condemnation. Smith characterizes Pash as “the most unscrupulous” person in a league rife with ruthless operators.
Pash, who retired in 2024 after four decades with the NFL, is accused of surpassing even the league’s harshest power players in terms of unethical behavior. Smith’s account casts Pash as emblematic of the deep-rooted issues within the league’s leadership.
Star Players and Legal Battles Reveal Deep Rifts Within the NFL System
Smith’s criticisms are not limited to executives and owners—players also come under fire. He sharply critiques Aaron Rodgers, describing him as “isolated and dismissive” and an “antagonist” despite acknowledging his talent.
Smith recounts an interaction with Rodgers in which he sarcastically compares taking a phone call from the quarterback to running into traffic. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is also called out, specifically for his disapproval of players kneeling during the national anthem, which Smith frames as an alignment with ownership over solidarity with fellow players.
During his 14-year tenure as NFLPA executive director, Smith faced major challenges, including the 2011 lockout and the controversial “Deflategate” case. One of his final acts in office was filing a complaint accusing NFL owners of collusion.
While arbitrator Christopher Droney ultimately dismissed the case, his findings revealed that the NFL Management Council had indeed encouraged teams to limit contract guarantees. Though not legally deemed collusion, the revelation—kept under wraps until recently—supports Smith’s broader argument about the league’s systemic issues, which he outlines in Turf Wars.
