Search for NFLPA's Next Executive Director Narrows to 3 Finalists

The list includes interim ED David White, former NFLPA president JC Tretter, and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The NFL Players Association's search for a permanent executive director has narrowed to three finalists, according to reports from ESPN and The Athletic. The list includes interim executive director David White, former NFLPA president and chief strategy officer JC Tretter, and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti. The NFLPA's 32 player representatives could vote on the position at their annual meeting in mid-March.

Why it matters

The NFLPA has faced a tumultuous period, with the resignation of former executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. last year amid controversies. The selection of the next executive director will be crucial in providing stable leadership and restoring trust among the players.

The details

The search for a new NFLPA executive director follows the resignation of Lloyd Howell Jr. last July, just two years after he was selected in a secretive 16-month process. Howell's tenure was marked by controversies, including a reported conflict of interest and a decision to hide key parts of an arbitration ruling from the players. Former NFLPA president JC Tretter, who had presided over the search process, also stepped down in the wake of the Howell controversy.

  • The NFLPA's 32 player representatives could be asked to vote on the position at their annual meeting on March 13-18 in San Diego.
  • David White has been serving as the NFLPA's interim executive director since August 2025.

The players

David White

Interim executive director of the NFLPA and former national executive director and chief negotiator of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) from 2009-21.

JC Tretter

Former NFLPA president (2020-24) and chief strategy officer, who played offensive line for the Green Bay Packers (2014-16) and Cleveland Browns (2017-21).

Tim Pernetti

American Conference commissioner since June 2024, and former president of IMG Academy, an athletic boarding school in Bradenton, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We will not comment on or disclose individual names.”

— Jalen Reeves-Maybin, NFLPA president (ESPN)

“Confidentiality in the search process became more important after leaks to the media in previous elections.”

— JC Tretter (ESPN)

What’s next

The NFLPA's 32 player representatives could be asked to vote on the position at their annual meeting on March 13-18 in San Diego.

The takeaway

The selection of the next NFLPA executive director will be crucial in providing stable leadership and restoring trust among the players after a tumultuous period marked by controversies surrounding the previous executive director.