The NFL Tackles Congress

Capitol Hill became the playing field Wednesday for quarrels between Congress and the National Football League Players' Association. Having opted out of a collective bargaining agreement, the owners have until March to work out a new deal with players. If they don't, next season could effectively be canceled.

On Capitol Hill today, players pressed lawmakers to intervene on their behalf in the contract dispute, pointing out the harsh economic impact an NFL shutdown would have. Pete Kendall, former Washington Redskins' player, said that restaurants, hotels, car companies, and even on the concessions stands benefit from the "big event" that is an NFL game.

Kendall said he is optimistic they'll meet the March deadline.

"I think something can get done," he said. "There's a few dominoes that have to fall into place between now and then, but I think if there's good faith on the other side...I believe we can get something done."

The Colts' Jeff Saturday said he was on Capitol Hill because he wants to do "anything we can do to get our message out that we want to play, we want to be on the field starting in August."

See Capitol Hill producer Jill Jackson's interviews with Kendall, Saturday and Arizona Cardinals' Jason Wright in the "Washington Unplugged" video above.