Muhammad Ali “had a singular voice and unmatched courage to stand for something personal and risk it all,” writes NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith. “He had an all too human will to endure and conquer the crucible of hate at a time when it could have easily cost him his life. He wasn't perfect - who is - but he stood to fight for the perfect ideal of right. It cost him dearly and yet he stood…In an era where so many have so much, owed to the sacrifice of so few and yet pay back so little, we will miss him more than we will ever know. Thankfully, he still stands.” Read Smith’s entire remembrance here. The NFLPA is an affiliate of the Metro Washington Council.