Former NFLPA Leader JC Tretter Elected as New Executive Director

Tretter's election comes after a secretive process, raising concerns about transparency and lessons learned from past controversies.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 10:04am

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JC Tretter, a former NFL lineman and previous NFLPA chief strategy officer, has been elected as the new executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Tretter's election comes after an extensive search and secret process, similar to the one that led to the controversial election of his predecessor, Lloyd Howell, in 2023. Tretter had previously resigned from the NFLPA in 2025 amid the Howell scandal, but has now returned to take on the top job.

Why it matters

Tretter's election raises questions about the NFLPA's commitment to transparency and whether essential lessons were learned from the Howell controversy. As the new executive director, Tretter will face tough negotiations with NFL owners, including potential battles over issues like an 18-game season and the players' revenue share.

The details

Tretter, 35, was elected over fellow finalists David White (the interim executive director) and Tim Pernetti (commissioner of the American Conference). Unlike the labor pact, rank-and-file players don't get a vote on the executive director, and even the player reps were reportedly kept in the dark about the vetting of the 300 candidates the NFLPA considered. Tretter previously served as NFLPA president from 2020-2024 and played a key role in negotiating the last labor deal extension in 2020.

  • Tretter resigned from the NFLPA in July 2025 amid the Howell scandal.
  • Tretter was elected as the new NFLPA executive director in March 2026.

The players

JC Tretter

A former NFL lineman who has been elected as the new executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Tretter previously served as the NFLPA's chief strategy officer and president.

Lloyd Howell

The former NFLPA executive director who resigned in 2025 amid a scandal involving a secret agreement with the NFL.

David White

The interim executive director of the NFLPA, who was a finalist for the permanent position.

Tim Pernetti

The commissioner of the American Conference, who was also a finalist for the NFLPA executive director position.

Jalen Reeves-Mabin

A free agent linebacker who was re-elected as the NFLPA president during the organization's meetings in San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“I'm also going to leave the NFLPA in the coming days because I don't have anything left to give to the organization.”

— JC Tretter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Tretter's election as the new NFLPA executive director raises concerns about the organization's commitment to transparency and whether it has learned from past controversies. As he takes on this high-stakes role, Tretter will face tough negotiations with NFL owners, including potential battles over issues like an 18-game season and the players' revenue share.