The NFL lockout is officially over, as NFL Players Association president DeMaurice Smith announced the news confirmed earlier that the players have unanimously approved the new labor deal. Speaking at a press conference in Washington D.C., Smith said he was proud of those who worked on the new deal and had a message for NFL fans.
"To our fans, I know you love this game as much as I do. I know it's been a very long process since the day we stood here on that day in March," Smith said. "But our guys stuck together when no one lese thought we would and football is back because of it. I'm proud of the men that you see behind me, I'm proud of the former players that have stood with us, and most of all, I dig our fans who love our game."
Smith did say that the union's recirtification efforts have only just begun, but it is now official that football is back. For much more on the end of the NFL lockout, head over to SBNation.com's massive StoryStream.