The 5 most pressing issues awaiting interim NFLPA executive director David White

New York Times

3 days ago

The NFL Players Association announced late Sunday night that the players have selected veteran labor executive David White as their interim executive director. The position had been vacant since Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned on July 17 amid a firestorm of criticism and scrutiny over multiple missteps as leader of the players union.
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White was a finalist for the job along with Howell in the summer of 2023. However, players selected Howell because of the belief that the former Booz Allen executive's experience in the corporate world would equip them to further increase revenue and effectively negotiate with NFL owners toward a new collective bargaining agreement in the future.
However, the union under Howell endured a summer of controversy, which included a federal investigation regarding potential financial improprieties and findings that NFLPA leaders reached a confidentiality agreement with the NFL to hide information about an arbitration decision involving potential collusion by owners over guaranteed contracts. There were also concerns over Howell's use of NFLPA money to fund two extravagant trips to strip clubs — actions for which he received reprimands. Following Howell's resignation, former union president-turned-chief strategic officer J.C. Tretter also resigned.
The NFLPA, which is responsible for representing the players in negotiations with the NFL to ensure quality working conditions as well as fair compensation and benefits, now turns to White in hopes that he can offer short-term stability and assist in the selection of a long-term executive director.
Given that members of the executive committee viewed White as a strong choice back in 2023, it's possible that White could eventually receive consideration for the full-time position. But such a decision isn't expected to come for some time.
In a statement released Sunday night, NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin said, 'We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership. David has spent much of his career fighting for collectively bargained rights in the labor movement and is committed to putting players first in all the union does. We are confident that he will inspire solidarity and provide the necessary stability during this period of transition. Soon, we will commence a thorough search process for a permanent executive director. This process will continue to be player led, as the strength of our union has and will always lie with our membership.'
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— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 4, 2025
White has extensive experience as a labor executive, negotiator and strategic advisor and brings a track record of stabilizing organizations. He previously served as CEO of 3CG Ventures, a premier executive coaching and strategic consulting firm, and is also the former national executive director and chief negotiator of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
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NFLPA leaders took their time filling the interim position because they wanted to avoid setting the union back further by making a hasty decision, executive committee member Austin Ekeler told The Athletic last week.
'We want to make sure we're moving smart and urgent, and this isn't something that has to be immediately done to fill these spots,' he said. 'We have a lot of great staff that we can trust that are in leadership roles.'
White has an extensive to-do list awaiting him. Here's a rundown of some of the most pressing items the interim executive director must address:
Long gone are the days of the late Gene Upshaw, who commanded respect while representing players in battles with NFL owners, netting victories that reshaped the business of football. (Benefits that stem from his efforts include unrestricted free agency, 401(k) programs, health reimbursement accounts, performance-based pay bonuses, and the list goes on.)
The union also experienced a drop-off following the 2023 departure of successor DeMaurice Smith, a former trial lawyer who never shied away from a fight. Smith negotiated new collective bargaining agreements in 2011 and 2021 while helping secure players a larger piece of the revenue pie and dramatically increasing benefits for retired players.
In the last two years, critics have raised questions about how in tune Howell was with the needs of players. He also drew criticism for what some viewed as a failure to take strong enough tones of opposition when dealing with the league on other matters, the collusion case ranking among them.
Player interest in union matters has been declining in recent years, and many younger members will admit that they have no idea what the union does for them. Tretter successfully implemented the annual player report cards, which have helped hold owners accountable and prompted them to improve player working conditions and player family member accommodations and support.
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However, Tretter and player leaders were also so intent on keeping union business under wraps that some agents said their players often felt like they were left in the dark on key issues. The lack of transparency over the years has caused players to lose interest. During their periodic meetings, NFLPA leaders remind players, 'This is your union.' However, some players have viewed that as lip service.
Staffing reductions have also hurt the union. Citing a need for a more efficient and financially responsible operation, Howell authorized the offering of buyouts to nearly half of the NFLPA's 150-person staff this past offseason. Player agents say the staff reductions have translated into a union that is far less helpful compared to what it once was.
Also, there's often confusion over whom to contact at the players association when assistance is needed for injury compensation-related disputes. Traditionally, the executive director spends the first several weeks of the preseason and regular season traveling from city to city for face-to-face meetings with players. Howell did this in each of the two previous seasons but had planned on handing that task off to Tretter this season, according to a person with knowledge of those plans. Now, however, it's important for White to get in front of players, hear their concerns and answer questions.
The NFL and NFLPA weren't expected to begin negotiations toward a new CBA for another couple of years. But that doesn't mean the executive director doesn't have battles to fight for the players. The NFL continues to expand its slate of international games, which are often a source of concern for players because of the demands of extended travel and how that reduces rest and recovery time. Field surfaces (most specifically, the players' preference for natural grass over artificial turf) remain a source of contention. Players and union employees also believe the NFLPA must continue to push the league for the latest injury and concussion-related data to ensure the safest procedures are maintained and implemented.
Eventually, discussions will be had about an expansion from 17 to 18 games. Howell sent mixed messages on this front during his two years at the helm. Initially, he spoke favorably of the expansion to 18 games because of the financial benefits associated with such a move. However, after a year's worth of travels and conversations with players, he shifted to a stance that '18 games is a non-starter.'
Although the interim executive director's stay is unlikely to last beyond the completion of the 2025-26 season, it's important that the players form a clear and unified message to help give the next permanent leader a head start. (Again, it's possible that White could wind up having the interim tag removed.)
The credibility of the NFLPA has taken a hit this offseason. One former player now employed by the league office described the state of the union as 'embarrassing.' Restoring order and respect is crucial if the players expect owners to take them seriously in discussions about league practices and working conditions. The best way for the NFLPA to achieve this is for the executive director to bolster the player leadership ranks by encouraging greater participation from prominent players. Those familiar with Upshaw's approach praised his ability to draw star players into the fold.
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In the early 2000s, players like Drew Brees, Kevin Mawae, Brian Dawkins, Mike Vrabel, Kevin Carter, Domonique Foxworth and Jeff Saturday spearheaded the union's efforts, and during the negotiation efforts toward the 2011 CBA, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady also became heavily involved in union matters. The number of leading players in prominent NFLPA roles has dwindled as of late, however, which could hurt player efforts. The best way to get the attention of owners on pressing matters, especially when it comes to negotiating the next labor deal (the current CBA expires in 2031), is for the faces of the league to become more involved and vocal.
The NFLPA has several openings on its support staff that must be filled. One impending vacancy is that of general counsel, with Tom DePaso set to retire after four decades with the union. There are other looming vacancies to fill to ensure the union operates effectively while serving the player membership. White also must provide oversight for OneTeam Partners and Players Inc., which both generate group licensing revenue for players outside of their contracts with teams.