It's been well-publicized by now that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith met in Minnesota this week and later flew to Florida to address the rookies at the NFLPA's version of the rookie symposium.
Both men spoke following the event but didn't give any specific information of where we stand on the lockout.
Various reports say Smith said the two sides are "continuing to work hard" in the negotiations to end the NFL lockout. Goodell and Smith will return to Minnesota following the event to continue the talks.
Goodell noted it was a great opportunity to sit with the rookies, an opportunity he hasn't had for most of the offseason with the lockout. That Goodell went down there to speak to the rookies is a good sign that the relationship between the owners' side and players' side is improving.
According to reports, their schedule included breakfast together, an hour speaking to the rookies in attendance, a Q&A session with the players and then they took off for the airport.
Let's hope Goodell's appearance at the rookie event is indeed a good sign and we're nearing an end to the lockout.