DeMaurice Smith was re-elected as the NFL Players Association’s executive director, the union announced Sunday night.
Representatives from every team except the Buffalo Bills participated in the election held in Hawaii, according to USA Today. Smith prevailed on the first ballot — receiving at least 15 of the 31 votes — against a field that included eight challengers. The vote totals were not revealed.
“The Board of Player Representatives made a decision today after two comprehensive days of deliberation and careful consideration of all candidates,” NFLPA president Eric Winston said in a statement. “We look forward to continue working with DeMaurice Smith to make our union stronger.”
Smith, 51, said in a statement, “I am proud to represent the best athletes in the world. There will always be those who will sacrifice their dignity in a race to the bottom so that they can climb over others to get to the top. I will not join them, and no human should.”
Among those vying to replace Smith were former players Sean Gilbert, Jason Belser and Robert Griffith. Belser is the union’s senior director of player affairs and development.
According to USA Today, Gilbert favored an 18-game schedule that could reopen negotiations with management, and he sought a collusion claim that could end the current collective bargaining agreement.
The challengers reportedly were critical of the CBA that Smith helped forge in 2011.
Smith took over the job from the late Gene Upshaw in 2009. He ran unopposed in 2012, and now he will hold his third term.