Edward R. "Ed" Garvey (April 18, 1940 – February 22, 2017) was an American attorney and activist who became prominent as a labor leader for professional football players and later as a progressive political figure in Wisconsin. He combined litigation, collective bargaining and public campaigning to press for workers' rights, greater fairness in sports and civic reforms.

Labor leadership and the NFL Players Association

Garvey was widely recognized for his work with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) during the 1970s and early 1980s. In that capacity he led the union through high-profile labor disputes, strikes and antitrust litigation aimed at challenging league policies that limited player movement and compensation. His legal strategy and public advocacy contributed to court rulings and bargaining outcomes that helped lay the groundwork for the modern system of free agency and improved player protections.

Major actions and approaches

  • Used antitrust lawsuits to contest long-standing NFL restrictions on player contracts and transfers.
  • Organized and supported strike actions to press the league for better wages and benefits.
  • Combined courtroom arguments with media engagement to explain players' positions to the public.

These tactics reflected a hybrid approach—legal pressure paired with collective action—that influenced labor relations in professional sports and informed later union strategies.

Political activism and later career

After his tenure with the players' association, Garvey returned to civic and political work in Wisconsin. He campaigned on progressive themes including campaign finance reform, environmental protection and economic fairness. He was a visible candidate in statewide races and an outspoken critic of corporate influence in politics, maintaining a public profile as an activist and community advocate.

Garvey's career is often cited as an example of how legal expertise can be used to advance labor interests and how high‑profile union leadership can translate into broader political engagement. He died in 2017, leaving a legacy in both sports labor history and state-level progressive politics.