With Ryan Clark gone, Ramon Foster will take over as Steelers' player rep.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) April 15, 2014
Ex-Steelers safety Ryan Clark served as the team's union rep during one of the most critical periods of labor negotiation in the history of the league. He was the team's leader behind them being the only team that did not vote in favor of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, and currently sits on the Executive Committee of the NFLPA.
Veteran guard Ramon Foster, also an undrafted player, like Clark, will assume the role of the team's union representative, according to Tribune-Review reporter Mark Kaboly.
Not that this is earth-shattering news or anything, but considering both of the Steelers' last union reps have gone on to serve in an executive capacity within the NFLPA (Charlie Batch served in that role as well), there's something to be said about the position Foster is accepting.
While it appears there will be relative labor peace, the player rep's function serves more as watchdog toward rules adherence, including rules on practice frequency, times and contact during the offseason program, which is scheduled to begin for the Steelers April 22.
Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and ex-Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley were the alternate representatives as recently as 2012-13. Who will fill Woodley's role is still undecided.