The NFL lockout has started conflict with fans, television stations and some players, but there are players that have found new ways to start their lives without football.
With the upcoming draft on April 28-29, television stations such as NFL network and ESPN have continued exclusive coverage of the players making their way into the draft. Also, coverage from NFL.com has kept exclusive coverage of the lockout; what players are doing with their lives now and the upcoming draft.
The NFL contract ended this season and the players were locked out on March 12. The lockout was because the NFL owners could not come up with an agreement for the new contract. The contract consists of conflicts such as insurance and health benefits, playing 18 games, retirement and more in-depth situations.
Top players have begun to fight for their rights with the NFL anti-trust lawsuit. Players such as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, New Orlean Saints quarterback Drew Brees and seven other players have filed a law suit against the NFL to keep the league from going into lockout.
They believe that with the Sherman Act of 1890, an act that would be considered as an antitrust statute that would limit monopolies and restrictions of commerce. This means that they could end up winning hundreds of millions of dollars for what players have lost.
According to NFL.com, "the players accused the 32 NFL teams of conspiring to deny their ability to market their services."
There has yet to be a set day to meet with the district court for final decisions, but the players are meeting infront of District Attorney David Doty who has worked many cases dealing with free agency. Doty has won many of the cases dealing with free agency such as the 1993 case with defensive end Reggie White.
Although there are players that have fully put their lives into the game of football and are fighting to get what they want, there are many other players that are just waiting it out.
Carolina Panther Quaterback Jimmy Clausen decided that he would go back to college to earn his 15 credits to graduate with a bachelors in sociology.
Other players have decided to play other sports. Tom Zbikowski, safety for the Baltimore Ravens, is now being trained by Hall of Fame boxing trainer Emanuel Stewards. After winning all three of his matches in March, he is on his way up to becoming a pro boxer. He told NFL.com that this was perfect timing for the lockout; his contract was up and now he is doing something else with his life. Zbikowski was a Golden Gloves fighter in 2006.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco always played soccer when he was younger and decided to make his way to Major League Soccer, where he is now on the practice squad for Sporting Kansas City.
Many NFL players made their way to Arena Football just to keep on practicing. Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Troy Bergeron, and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rod Windsor are two of the main players playing in the Arena while the turf is on lockout.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward is now making is debut on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."
There are players taking great opportunities with their lives while the lockout is still underway but some are making illegal choices.
Denver Bronco running back Laurence Maroney, Kansas City Chiefs player Mike Vrabel, and three Oakland Raiders players have been charged with theft, violence and drugs since the lockout has been taken into action.
The lockout in 1968 brings hope to many players and fans because most believe that if it did not happen the first time, it would not happen now. Nothing has been changed about the lockout and many are still trying to cope with the changes. The new season starts in August and many are hoping the NFL owners reach a final decision by then.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!