Lloyd Howell, the NFLPA’s leading administrator, has stated his departure from the role. In recent times, Howell has encountered substantial debate, notably for his involvement as a compensated advisor for a financial investment company approved for NFL contributions.
In a public declaration Thursday night, Howell expressed that his focus remained fighting for the welfare and health of union players. Howell continued with his observation that his presence developed into a “source of concern,” directly influencing his decision to step back. Howell was in his third year of a five-year contract with the NFLPA.
“Two years prior, I took on the Executive Director role at NFLPA, with a profound belief in this union’s mission and in the strength of united action to enact constructive improvements for America’s football players,” Howell explained. “Our individuals deserve a union that constantly advocates for their health, protection, fiscal stability and future well-being. My main focus involved heading that fight by wholeheartedly serving this union.”
“It is noticeable that my guidance has distracted the essential tasks the NFLPA performs regularly. In light of this, I have notified the NFLPA Executive Board that I’m withdrawing from my positions as the Executive Director of the NFLPA and Board Chairman, effective right away. I’m hopeful this adjustment will allow NFLPA to maintain its focus for player members prior to the approaching season.
“I take pride in our accomplishments at the NFLPA in the past couple of years. I’ll enthusiastically support the players from the sidelines and I’m confident the NFLPA will ensure players remain central to football’s trajectory.”
Controversy surrounds the period of NFLPA head Lloyd Howell, who is confronted with an important choice
Jonathan Jones
Following the report that Howell was a consultant who received payment from The Carlyle Group (one of the private equity organizations permitted to own up to 10% of an NFL organization), the NFLPA first released a statement backing Howell. Howell started with the business in 2023, one year before The Carlyle Group had approval from the league.
Around one week prior to that, the NFLPA revealed their plea concerning the arbitration verdict asserting the NFLPA signed a privacy pact with the NFL and cooperated in order to hide salary information. During January, an arbitrator ruled against the player’s union, saying there was insufficient support indicating cooperation between the owners regarding contract settlements with quarterbacks.
However, the arbiter’s details mentioned that the NFLPA had demonstrated “via an obvious overbalance of facts” that Roger Goodell (NFL commissioner) and Jeff Pash (chief legal advisor) urged owners to limit guaranteed funds in player agreements. This detail was only revealed around two weeks ago in the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast. This occurred due to the privacy contract between the union and the league, which meant that only the league, high-ranking union executives, and union legal representatives could access the whole arbitration report.
Furthermore, ESPN reported earlier on Thursday that two player representatives who voted in favor of Howell didn’t know that he was sued for workplace discrimination and retaliation in 2011 while employed by Booz Allen, a respected consulting firm.
According to Jonathan Jones from CBS Sports, the NFLPA’s board has plans to convene “very soon” to decide upcoming procedures, which include selecting a temporary director.
