The next leader of the NFL Players Association won't necessarily need a football or union background.

That's the directive the NFLPA's executive search committee provided the firm hired to seek candidates to replace executive director Gene Upshaw, who died in August.

"We're looking for the best candidate and the best candidate may not be part of the union," NFLPA president and Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae said. "It's about going and finding the right person."

Asked if someone such as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice could be a candidate, Mawae said: "Right now we have nobody."

"That person is going to be a very special person. Whether it's in the business realm or government or even sports-related, we don't know," Mawae said.

Tony Richardson, a search committee member and New York Jets fullback, said his preferred quality is someone capable of understanding and relating to the wide range of players' backgrounds.

"It's a tough dynamic because you have older players, younger players, white players, black players, different backgrounds. So as that person, you've got to relate to all 53 guys [on a team]," Richardson said.

Titans

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson has been fined $10,000 for his celebration after a 66-yard touchdown run against the Chiefs. The NFL said Johnson was fined for banging on some drums in the Chiefs' pep band in Sunday's 34-10 victory. "I am not happy about it," Johnson said. "There's no fun in this league. I was trying to have fun and they want to penalize us for having fun."

Redskins

Washington defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin's sprained right shoulder will keep him out of Sunday's game against the Lions. Griffin has been playing hurt since injuring the shoulder Oct. 5 against Philadelphia. Coach Jim Zorn said it was time to let Griffin heal.

Cardinals

Anquan Boldin increased his workload in practice, but Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt remained uncertain whether his standout wide receiver would play Sunday at Carolina.