The NFL Players Association has been thrown a curveball following the sudden and unexpected resignation of executive director Lloyd Howell.

Although he has only been in the position for a couple of years, Howell’s leadership has been clouded with controversy, right from the moment of his election in 2023 through to a series of issues that, in recent months, have cast doubt on his ability to conduct his role without conflict of interest. His decision to stand down with immediate effect, however, still caught the NFLPA off guard.

“This evening, Lloyd Howell informed us that he is stepping down as executive director of the union,” the union confirmed in a statement. “We accepted his resignation and are grateful for his service. The board will convene as soon as possible for a meeting on next steps and will be in touch with our membership soon.”

The NFLPA was introduced to Howell via executive search company Russell Reynolds Associates when it became apparent that predecessor DeMaurice Smith, who led the union between 2009-23 was looking to stand down. Prior to his appointment, Howell was embroiled in a sex discrimination case while at IT giant Booz Allen Hamilton, and also named in an investigation regarding potential ober-billing on US government contracts, but the NFLPA insisted that he had been thoroughly vetted after taking the decision to forgo a 34-year career in favour of heading up the players’ union. Howell faced a single opponent for the NFLPA role, former SAG-AFTRA chief David P. White, but, contrary to receiving the usual 30-day notice of who would be running for the position, players were apparently given notice on the day the elections were to take place.

In the two years since taking office, Howell has been at the centre of several controversies, including an ongoing FBI investigation regarding his dealings with pro player NIL booster OneTeam Partners, in which he is alleged to have profited improperly from licensing deals. Add in a potential conflict of interest as a consultant with Carlyle Group, which is potentially looking to invest in NFL franchises, and allegations of covering up legal cases involving the suggestion that players fake injury during contract holdouts and collusion to suppress the amount of guaranteed money included in quarterback contracts in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s mammoth deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Prompted by the accusations, the NFLPA executive committee — which comprises ten prominent players — issued a statement just last Sunday (13^th July) backing Howell as executive director and denying that he had been asked to resign. In it, the committee said that they would not ‘engage in a rush to judgement’ over the issues that had been raised and, with the 2025 season fast approaching, would ‘look forward to continuing our important work together and ensuring the strength and unity of our association’.

Now, the union has been thrown into an unexpected search for a new head man, following 59-year old Howell’s exit.

“It’s clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day,” Howell said in a statement. “For this reason, I have informed the NFLPA executive committee that I am stepping down as executive director of the NFLPA and chairman of the board of NFL players effective immediately. I hope this will allow the NFLPA to maintain its focus on its player members ahead of the upcoming season.”