The 2025 offseason was filled with drama for the NFL Players Association. Lloyd Howell, and later J.C. Tretter, resigned from their respective positions amid multiple scandals. 
Shortly after Howell’s tenure as executive director came to an end, David White was tapped as his replacement on an interim basis. White – the runner-up to Howell in the NFLPA’s most recent selection process – has been in place since August. That will remain the case moving forward, but the union’s process of finding a permanent leader has now officially begun.
“The selection of the new executive director will be entirely player-driven and we’re committed to keeping you informed,” NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin wrote in a memo to players (via Mark Maske of the Washington Post). “The Executive Committee will oversee the search process while receiving input and direction from the Board of Player Representatives as we seek out a candidate who upholds our values, fights for our membership, and positions us strongly for future negotiations.”
The NFLPA has hired TurnkeyZRG as a search firm to assist in the process. Per Maske, White will only receive consideration for the full-time position if his candidacy is raised by the board of player reps itself. It remains to be seen if that will be the case, but in any event outside options will be explored. Reeves-Maybin’s memo emphasizes an increase in transparency relative to previous searches for a union leader. The Howell selection process was mired in secrecy, something which drew widespread criticism.
As Maske notes, there is not a consensus amongst the NFLPA’s members on the subject of whether or not the next executive director should be an ex-player. To date, the only official candidate for the position is former NFL quarterback Matt Schaub, who laid out his plans for the union this summer. Darrell Revis has made a number of public comments related to the NFLPA recently; he and Joe Briggs (who has a lengthy legal background and has served in various roles within the union) are names to watch as well.
No firm timeline is in place for a formal hire to be made by the NFLPA, but Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes there is a belief that March is being targeted for a full-time leader to be in place. That would allow for new union leadership to be installed in time for the annual league meetings. Talks on a new CBA – which will include discussions on, among other things, expanding the schedule to 18 games, are on the horizon. A key factor in negotiations on that front and others will of course be the NFLPA’s organizational setup, including the identity of its next full-time executive director.
“The selection of the new executive director will be entirely player-driven”
If Rashee Rice is behind the wheel this will not go well 🙂
The players need to find someone who will secure guaranteed contracts and get rid of tags. The fact that the most profitable league in the country does not have guaranteed deals is a stain on the NFLPA.
Have the stones to strike and take the lock out if needed. The NFL/Owners continually get incremental gains from the NFLPA what have the players gotten of real value recently? Nothing.
NFLPA gives up 17 game seasons with talk of 18 starting, international travel every year increasing and still no guaranteed deals. Inept.
It’s only the starting QBs and a handful of elite WRs that are pushing the fully guaranteed contract agenda. The rank and file members that actually have to fight for a roster spot aren’t going to throw tantrums if their contracts aren’t fully guaranteed. They know that if they bite the hand that feeds them they could be working at a McDonalds in the near future.
Fans want guaranteed deals too. They are tired of seeing hold outs too.
This should have been done as a condition to go to 17. Nflpa has no spine.
One guys hold out is another guys opportunity and the games will be played regardless of whether the player gets his contract fully guaranteed or not. I doubt a single fan has abandoned the NFL because player X only got 75% of his contract guaranteed.