Three Finalists Emerge in Search for Next NFLPA Executive Director

The list includes interim director 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 (NFLPA) is in the process of selecting a new permanent executive director, with three finalists emerging according to reports. 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 executive director plays a crucial role in representing the interests of NFL players in labor negotiations and other matters. The selection of the next director comes after the resignation of Lloyd Howell Jr. last year amid controversies, highlighting the importance of finding a qualified and trustworthy leader for the organization.

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 for the role. 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 initially replaced Howell on an interim basis but also stepped down, leading to labor executive David White taking over the role temporarily.

  • 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.
  • Howell resigned as NFLPA executive director in July 2025, just two years after being selected for the role.
  • Tretter, the former NFLPA president, took over as interim executive director after Howell's resignation but also stepped down.
  • White has been serving as the interim NFLPA 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 from 2020-24 and the organization's former chief strategy officer. Tretter played offensive line for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns.

Tim Pernetti

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

Lloyd Howell Jr.

Former NFLPA executive director who resigned in July 2025 after a two-year tenure marked by controversies, including a reported conflict of interest and a decision to hide key parts of an arbitration ruling from the players.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin

NFLPA president and linebacker for the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“We are conducting a comprehensive search that includes a strong pool of highly qualified candidates. Out of respect for the integrity of the process and those involved, 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, Former NFLPA president (ESPN)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The search for a new NFLPA executive director comes at a critical time for the organization, as it looks to move past the controversies of the previous leadership and find a qualified and trustworthy individual to represent the interests of NFL players in labor negotiations and other matters.