National Football League

DeMaurice Smith faces challenge to position of NFLPA chief

Published Jan. 5, 2015 3:53 a.m. ET

foxsports

Michigan-based attorney Jim Acho says he's running for executive director of the NFL Players Association.

The 44-year-old Acho has represented retired players and been an advocate for improving pension and medical benefits. He says he expects to have no trouble obtaining the support of at least three current player representatives on the board of directors, which is the requirement to become a final candidate for executive director.

Acho acknowledges that he would be a long shot to win the election in March. DeMaurice Smith has been the NFLPA's executive director since 2009.

Acho says his platform is based on improving long-term health care benefits, an issue he hopes now resonates with players even while they are active.