NFLPA Taps Runner-Up for Interim Leadership
Union Reverts to 2023 Candidate After Previous Director’s Exit
The NFL Players Association is bringing back a familiar face to lead the union on an interim basis, selecting the candidate who narrowly lost the executive director race last year.
New Leadership Amidst Turmoil
In a significant turn of events, the NFLPA has appointed David White, who finished second to Lloyd Howell in the previous search, to serve as interim executive director. This decision follows Howell‘s abrupt departure after a tenure marked by controversy.
“On behalf of the NFLPA’s Board of Player Representatives, I am proud to share that David White has been elected to serve as our interim executive director. This decision is the result of a comprehensive, player-led process. We understood the urgency to fill this role and did our due diligence to identify the right person to lead our union in this moment.
—Jalen Reeves-Maybin, NFLPA President
Reeves-Maybin expressed confidence in White‘s ability to guide the union, highlighting his background in fighting for collectively bargained rights and his commitment to prioritizing players.
Commitment to Players and Future Search
White, previously the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, stated his gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to reestablish trust and ensure the union effectively serves its members. He aims to protect player health and safety, secure financial well-being, and amplify their voices.
“I am grateful to the NFLPA’s player leadership for entrusting me with the privilege and responsibility to guide their union as interim executive director. It’s a duty I do not take lightly, and I’m committed to reestablishing trust and ensuring the union is serving its members best. I look forward to working with the entire NFLPA team to protect players’ health and safety, secure their financial well-being, and further strengthen their voice to shape their futures.”
—David White, Interim Executive Director, NFLPA
The union plans to initiate a thorough, player-led search for a permanent executive director in the near future. This move comes as the NFLPA prepares for upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, a critical period for player advocacy.
Questions Arise Over Process
The decision to revisit the 2023 candidate pool has raised questions, particularly given the issues that surfaced during Howell‘s two-year tenure. Reports indicated that player representatives were not fully informed about certain details regarding Howell‘s past conduct, which emerged after his resignation.
Sources suggest a previous internal vote favored White overwhelmingly over Howell before the final selection was made. The union’s recent decision involved participation from a representative from all 32 teams. This situation underscores the need for transparency and robust vetting in leadership selection. For context, union leadership elections can be complex; for example, in 2023, the Teamsters union saw a contested leadership race with significant player engagement, highlighting the importance of member voice (Associated Press, 2023).
The NFLPA faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence and ensuring strong representation for its members. The current leadership transition will be closely watched as it unfolds, with much at stake for the future of player rights in the league.
