Player conduct on and off the field is one of the NFL's most pressing issues. To help address it, the league has sought the advice of Redskins wide receiver James Thrash.
Thrash is part of the new NFL Player Advisory Council to advise NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on issues affecting players.
The six-member council also includes former Redskins safety Troy Vincent, who is currently president of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The others include safety Donovin Darius of the Jaguars, fullback Tony Richardson of the Vikings, center Jeff Saturday of the Colts and linebacker Takeo Spikes of the Eagles.
The council was appointed by the NFLPA.
The Player Advisory Council is expected to meet with Goodell and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw to discuss such issues as player conduct, competition, player safety, medical and health issues, retired player issues and other matters.
"It's important that we know the perspective of players on issues that impact our game and our league," Goodell said in a statement released by the NFL. "We all share the goal of improving the NFL in every way we can. Veteran leadership is important for our teams in many areas. These outstanding veterans can help the entire league just as they help their teams."
Thrash has played seven of his 10 NFL seasons with the Redskins. He has 272 career receptions for 3,458 yards and 19 touchdowns. In 2000, he was the Redskins' Ed Block Courage Award recipient and was named the team's Unsung Hero award winner.
Widely acknowledged as one of the Redskins' team leaders, Thrash is active in CAUSE Ministries, or Christian Athletes United for Spiritual Empowerment. He helped start a business with former Redskin Eddie Mason called "M.A.S.E. Training" which focuses on athletics and spiritual counseling.
Thrash has also participated in an internship with the Loudoun County (Va.) Sheriff's Department.
