Lloyd Howell: A Leadership Shake-Up at the NFLPA
Lloyd Howell Jr., the executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), resigned on July 17, 2025, bringing to a close a tumultuous two-year tenure marked by controversy and intrigue. For many observers, his departure signals more than just a personnel change—it represents a pivotal moment for the future of the union, its players, and the integrity of leadership within professional sports labor organizations.
The Build-Up to Resignation
Howell's journey was a rapid rise from a corporate executive with Booz Allen Hamilton to the leader of one of the most powerful labor unions in American sports. Elected by NFL players in June 2023, his leadership was initially praised for bringing financial acumen and business-savvy to a traditionally athlete-centered role. Yet, beneath the surface, mounting pressure was building.
Crises and Controversies
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Conflict of Interest Allegations
Howell was reported to hold a part-time consulting role with The Carlyle Group—a private equity firm later approved to pursue minority stakes in NFL teams. Critics viewed this as a glaring conflict given his position advocating on behalf of players versus owners. -
Secrecy Over Collusion Ruling
In January, an arbitrator ruled that NFL executives encouraged a cap on fully guaranteed contracts, effectively recommending limits. The NFLPA then entered a confidentiality agreement, keeping players in the dark until podcast host Pablo Torre revealed the details—a decision widely criticized as withholding critical transparency. -
OneTeam’s Federal Scrutiny
The union’s licensing partnership, OneTeam Partners, co-founded in 2019, became the subject of a federal investigation. Howell’s leadership in navigating this partnership came under intense review. -
Personal Lawsuit Resurfaced
Reports emerged that Howell had faced a sexual discrimination lawsuit in 2011 while at Booz Allen—information that a number of players say was unknown to them prior to his candidacy.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jun 2023 | Howell elected NFLPA Executive Director |
| Mar 2023 | Begins consultancy role with Carlyle Group |
| Jan 2025 | Arbitrator Droney makes controversial ruling in collusion grievance |
| Jun 2025 | Podcast reveals withheld arbitrator ruling |
| Jul 2025 | Federal investigation into OneTeam intensifies |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Howell resigns |
The Final Straw—Why Justice Took Precedence
In his resignation statement, Howell emphasized that “my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day”. The move followed growing unrest:
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Several NFLPA executive committee members had privately urged Howell to step aside to preserve focus.
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Longtime union agent Blake Baratz urged players to demand transparency, asserting “This is your life and livelihood… You deserve the best of the best”.
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Former NFLPA outside counsel Jim Quinn described the Carlyle connection as “an outrageous conflict”.
Pressure mounted from all sides—from federal investigators, from players demanding openness, and from the broader public’s demand for accountability. With key issues at stake—future CBA negotiations, player protections, union finances—his departure was seen as necessary to restore unity.
The Fallout and Road Ahead
Howell’s resignation leaves several pressing questions in its wake:
What Happens Next?
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Interim Leadership: Names like Don Davis and Tom DePaso have surfaced as likely interim directors.
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Search for Permanent Successor: The NFLPA executive committee is expected to convene soon to chart a transparent path forward.
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Strategic Focus: With Collective Bargaining Agreement talks looming—particularly discussions around a potential 18‑game season—restoring player trust is paramount.
Key Takeaways Through
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Transparency wins: Players demand full access to arbitration rulings and union finances.
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Conflict of interest must be zero: Leadership cannot blur lines with firms aligned to ownership.
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Accountability mechanisms matter: Federal scrutiny amplifies the need for strong internal audits and legal compliance.
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Union unity is fragile: Leadership changes ripple through negotiations and organizational stability.
Conclusion
Lloyd Howell’s departure on July 17, 2025, marks a decisive turning point—not only for the NFLPA but for the broader landscape of sports labor leadership. As the union reorients under new leadership, it must center trust, transparency, and player advocacy at every turn.
For athletes and fans alike, the message is clear: in the high-stakes world of professional sports, leadership must not only be visionary—but also unimpeachable and aligned with the interests of the people it exists to serve.
