BREAKING: NFLPA Executive Lloyd Howell Jr. Steps Down Amid Controversial Disagreement
Washington, D.C. — July 18, 2025
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Lloyd Howell Jr. has officially resigned as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), citing growing controversy and internal disagreement within the union’s leadership.
Howell, who was elected in June 2023 to succeed longtime executive DeMaurice Smith, departs less than two years into his tenure. His resignation comes after mounting scrutiny over a series of allegations, including conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and undisclosed past legal issues.
> “It has become clear that my continued presence as Executive Director would serve as a distraction from the critical work the NFLPA must do for its players,” Howell said in a statement released Thursday night. “I am proud of what we have accomplished, but it is time for new leadership.”
A Tumultuous Tenure Ends Early
Howell, a former top executive at Booz Allen Hamilton and current board member of multiple Fortune 500 companies, entered the role as a respected business leader but found himself at the center of several stormy developments:
Conflicts of Interest Allegations: Howell served as a consultant to The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm approved to acquire minority stakes in NFL franchises. Critics, including former union lawyers, called this an unacceptable conflict of interest given the NFLPA’s role in negotiating on behalf of players against ownership.
Arbitration Controversy: In January, an explosive arbitration decision revealed that NFL executives had urged team owners to limit guaranteed player contracts. However, Howell only shared a summary of the ruling with players—sparking backlash over lack of transparency. Multiple team representatives claim they were deliberately kept in the dark.
Past Legal Issues Resurface: Howell was previously named in a 2011 gender discrimination and retaliation lawsuit during his time at Booz Allen Hamilton. Many player reps say they were unaware of the suit prior to his election—raising questions about the vetting process.
Federal Investigation Ties: As a board member of OneTeam Partners, Howell was connected to a company currently under FBI investigation over alleged financial irregularities involving group licensing revenue streams.
Divided Union, Uncertain Future
Former players and union officials have also spoken out. “Players trusted the process and leadership to protect their interests,” said one retired Pro Bowl linebacker. “But the more that came to light, the more clear it became that we needed a change.”
The NFLPA said it will begin searching for an interim executive director immediately, with a formal election likely to follow in the offseason. Several prominent labor lawyers and former union insiders are rumored to be potential candidates.