NFL holdouts involve players skipping training camp despite being under contract, facing $50,000 daily fines. The 2020 CBA closed a loophole allowing teams to waive fines, leading to more "hold-ins" where players attend but don't participate. In 2026, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Vita Vea were high-profile hold-ins.

Former Seahawks tackle Walter Jones ended his 2002 holdout after reading a newspaper article showing he'd forfeited $578,823 in two missed game checks. He signed the $4.92 million franchise tender. Agent Vince Taylor calls holdouts "brutal," noting agents must manage both negotiations and player emotions.

Coach Jay Gruden felt helpless during Trent Williams' 2019 holdout over Washington's handling of his cancer diagnosis. Gruden couldn't interfere in contract talks and watched his team start 0-5 without Williams, who was later traded. Gruden said holdouts are like injuries but "you feel like you can control the holdout, just pay the guy."

Taylor said he had to shift Williams from emotional to business mindset. "If you want to continue your career, these are the things we're going to have to consider." The process tests everyone involved, from GMs facing fan pressure to coaches adapting without star players.