What Is a Franchise Player?
The term "franchise player" is used in two vastly different ways in sports. In one case, it is a term coined by the National Football League in reference to a free agent who has had the tag placed on him by the team he most recently played for. On the other hand, "franchise player" is also a label generally used to refer to an exceptional athlete with a lot of star qualities.
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NFL Definition
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According to current NFL rules, a team may use one of two types of franchise tags on one potential free agent each year in an attempt to keep the athlete from signing a contract with a new club. The player is dubbed that team's "franchise player" as a result.
Exclusive Franchise Players
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A player who is named an exclusive franchise player by his ballclub must be given a one-year contract that is worth at least the average of what the top five highest-paid players at the same position currently earn. In exchange, these players are not allowed to negotiate with other NFL teams.
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Non-exclusive Franchise Players
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A player who is named a non-exclusive franchise player only needs to be paid the average of the top five salaries for players at his position from the previous year (or 120% of his previous year's salary, if it is higher). Non-exclusive franchise players can sign offer sheets with other football teams, and the original team can either choose to match the offer or receive draft picks as compensation for the loss of the athlete.
Origins of Franchise Tag
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The concept of the franchise player dates back to the 1993 NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Alternate Definition
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However, in football and in most other sports, the term franchise player can also refer to a team's most valuable athlete--a player without whom the franchise would struggle or fall apart.
Qualities of Franchise Players
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Franchise players are usually distinguishable because of their ability to make big plays in big situations and to help their teams achieve victory despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds. Also, franchise players often are known for their feats of athletic prowess, such as making a highlight-reel catch or executing an amazing slam dunk in basketball.
Examples of Franchise Players
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Classic examples of current and past franchise players include former NBA stars Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain; National Hockey League legends Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux; Baseball Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays; and NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
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