Lloyd Howell Jr. stepped down late Thursday. His departure brings a close to a tumultuous two-year term as executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Howell’s departure comes amid ongoing controversies regarding his leadership and external investigations into the NFLPA’s financial dealings.
Howell, newly elected to the post in 2023, gave prudential cover to short-term fiscal disaster of immense proportions. His leadership deeply divided the organization and ignited fiery debate. This tension escalated considerably after reports leaked a 2011 lawsuit against him for sexual discrimination and retaliation stemming from his tenure as a senior executive at Booz Allen. Players represented by the NFLPA, through this lawsuit, questioned whether these players were ever made aware of Howell’s legal history before his election.
In announcing his impending resignation, Howell recognized the shortcomings that his leadership brought upon the organization.
“It’s clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day,” – Lloyd Howell
In a memo to the executive committee, Howell articulated his thought process. He explained that his resignation would allow the NFLPA to refocus its player members as the new season looms.
“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.” – Lloyd Howell
Yet, in the face of these failings, Howell recently earned the support of many of the executive board members. As late as Wednesday, two of them publicly defended his leadership, pledging faith in his skills.
“We felt great about the process,” – one of the executive board members
“We are 100% behind Lloyd.” – one of the executive board members
Internal support did little to calm increasing apprehension about Howell. His new mixed role as a part-time consultant to the Carlyle Group — which hopes to acquire additional NFL franchises — was publicly questioned. This new relationship added layers of complexity to how people judged his leadership. Coincidentally, at the same time, the FBI was investigating financial transactions associated with the NFLPA and the MLB Players Association, specifically looking into OneTeam Partners, a multibillion-dollar group-licensing company.
The scenery of Howell’s resignation also includes the shadow of his predecessors’ legacy. The situation would be an unwise miscalculation by Howell’s predecessor, Gene Upshaw—and one minority leader DeMaurice Smith served as union head from 2009 through 2023. Ethics aside, the NFLPA is at a historic crossroads today with the change in leadership. Most importantly, they’re charting a dynamic course through complexity internally and externally.
Prominent sportswriters have been appalled by the treatment. In particular, Don Van Natta Jr. and Kalyn Kahler have led the way in investigative reporting on NFL related issues. Kahler engages in teaching Irish dance and taking Spanish classes in her free time, showcasing her diverse interests outside of journalism.
Howell is leaving his post. The NFLPA will now need to make some important and urgent choices as it prepares for a new season and seeks to rebuild confidence—a perception of confidence certainly—within its own ranks. The association’s future direction remains uncertain as it deals with the implications of Howell’s resignation and ongoing investigations.
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