In the 1980s, the aftermath of strikes caused some changes within the NFL in the 1990s which involved the player’s union. In 1989, the NFL imposed a “plan B” for free agency: teams could reserve 37 players each and teams retained the right to match any offers received by players after their contracts expired. In 1990, the Jets running back Freeman McNeil and other reserved players filed an anti-trust suit vs. NFL and won the case in 1992. In addition, in 1993, there was a follow-up suit filed by Eagles defensive end Reggie White that forced an agreement on the following: players must accept a salary cap, team owners must allow free agency for players after four years of service, and the “franchise tag” was invented allowing teams to reserve one player at market price. …show more content…
The salary cap of the league goes up based on TV revenue and ticket/apparel sales. During the 1990s, TV revenue was climbing and went from $900 million in 1990 ($32 million per team) to $2.45 billion in 1999 ($76.5 million per team). The player’s union and the NFL extended this 1993 agreement five times, which allowed it to last until the 2010 season and then it was revised. This shows that the union was very strong because of how long the agreement lasted until it was finally revised in 2010. Also in the 1990s, the playoffs were expanded, the roster limit was raised, instant replay began being used again, and international play began. In 1999, Super Bowl XXXIV consisted of the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans. The Rams won 23-16. This was the game were Tennessee’s rally failed one yard