Rodgers willing to take on key role in next CBA negotiations

With a number of issues stemming from the last collective bargaining agreement, the NFLPA will have its sights set on doing right by the players when it comes time for another round of negotiations in 2020.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, far and away one of the most prominent figures in the game today, appears more than willing to do his part and take on a lead role in those talks.

"If I’m fortunate enough to be around for the next one, I think it could be an opportunity to help out the next generation of players, by taking maybe more of a role in that," Rodgers said on "The Business of Sports" with Andrew Brandt, courtesy of Jason Lisk of The Big Lead.

"If it’s wanted by the union, I would be open to it because I think we need some really strong leaders when we come back to the table, and realize that, as opposed to maybe the last time the CBA rolled around, that we have more bargaining power than we showed."

Commissioner Roger Goodell's role in player discipline matters remains the most glaring issue that seemingly won't have a solution until the next CBA. Despite the numerous losses to players when such cases are taken to court, Goodell has shown little to no interest in deferring to a neutral arbitrator.

Rodgers says the NFLPA likely could have avoided that issue by holding out a little longer in the negotiations that preceded the 2011 season, and that the players shouldn't have to concede anything to have it resolved next time around.

"It’s got to. It has to change. I don’t know why the owners wouldn’t want it to change, because it’s made the league look bad a few times. I read something–you know I said that I felt like we had the opportunity to make a change in the first CBA, and I stand behind that, that statement. Many guys I don’t think were aware of how strong our position could have been had we waited a little longer. One of the things that we should have maybe pushed for was to have an independent arbitrator. I don’t think we should have to give anything for that to happen in the next negotiation. I think the owners should know it will be better if there was a change."

The 10-year pact agreed upon to end the lockout in 2011 carries on through the 2020 season. Among the other issues that figure to be contested in the months ahead of that all-important date are the drug policy pertaining to substance abuse, further adjustments to practice schedules, and the possibility of expanding the regular season.