"The NFLPA needs a dawg that..." Pat McAfee torches NFLPA leaders after shocking Lloyd Howell Jr. allegations
The recent resignation of NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. has ignited a storm of criticism—led by none other than Pat McAfee. Known for his unapologetically bold commentary, McAfee didn't hold back after bombshell revelations emerged that Howell expensed strip club visits using union funds.
As a former NFL player with firsthand insight into the inner workings of the NFL Players Association, McAfee's reaction struck a chord across the football community.
Pat McAfee slams NFLPA leadership following Lloyd Howell Jr.'s exit
Pat McAfee, who played eight seasons in the NFL and now hosts The Pat McAfee Show, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday after his show was off-air. With the kind of raw honesty fans have come to expect from him, he offered a deep critique of the union's leadership—past and present.
— PatMcAfeeShow (@PatMcAfeeShow)
'I don't know what it was exactly like before my time in the NFL (2009 Draft)… But I know that literally since a week after I got drafted, at my rookie symposium listening to DeMaurice Smith speak for the first time, all the way thru now... the NFLPA has been led by people who would much rather be known that they're the heads of the NFLPA than actually work and act like they are the heads of the NFLPA,' McAfee wrote.
He continued his takedown by pointing out what he views as a longstanding culture of self-serving leadership: 'These dudes think they're celebrities.
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These dudes think they're powerful. These dudes hire all of their friends and overpay them with the players' money.'
According to McAfee, these leaders have exploited the hard-earned reputations and connections built by the players, choosing instead to bask in the spotlight. 'Then these dudes flex while using and abusing all of the connections that the players and the league have worked their asses off their entire lives for… and act like sanctimonious heroes thru it all.'
Pat McAfee calls for real change and empathy-driven leadership
Howell's resignation followed reports from ESPN that detailed a $2,426 charge at a strip club during February's NFLPA Summit, falsely filed as a 'Player Engagement Event.' That wasn't the only red flag—Howell is also facing heat for suppressing collusion findings and holding a paid consultancy with The Carlyle Group, a firm tied to NFL ownership stakes.
McAfee believes the next NFLPA leader must be someone drastically different—one grounded in both empathy and business savvy.
'The NFLPA needs a dawg that knows legitimate business and generating capital running the NFLPA,' he emphasized. 'We need people that have empathy for the players who play/played in the NFL and don't just view them as an annual fee. We need creative negotiators, creators, and innovators.'
For McAfee, this isn't just about ethics—it's about respect for the players who put their bodies on the line every season. His words send a clear message: the NFLPA must shift from performative leadership to purposeful representation, or risk betraying the very athletes it's meant to serve.
FAQs
1.
Why did Pat McAfee criticize the NFLPA leadership?
Pat McAfee slammed the NFLPA leadership for prioritizing fame and personal gain over genuinely serving the players' interests.
2.
What allegations led to Lloyd Howell Jr.'s resignation?
Howell resigned after reports revealed he expensed over $3,000 in strip club visits using union funds and buried key grievance findings.
3.
What changes does McAfee want in the NFLPA?
McAfee urged for a leader who understands business, values player empathy, and brings innovation to truly represent the athletes.
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