SAN ANTONIO (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs have voted unanimously to recertify as a players union.

Several players said Friday there was no sentiment not to recertify the NFL Players Association as a union.

"I know a lot of the deal was based on the fact that we had to recertify," Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassell said. "We know as of Aug. 4 this labor lockout would continue. We voted unanimously to end it and recertify."

The union decertified last March at the start of the owners' lockout.

Once the NFLPA regains its union status, it can finish negotiating the collective bargaining agreement with the NFL. Having that done will allow players who have agreed to new deals to join their teams.