The NFLPA’s top seat just flipped. Lloyd Howell Jr., who took the helm in June 2023, has resigned after just two years as Executive Director.
This isn’t a typical power shuffle. It’s a red flag on leadership, conflict, and financial oversight within the players’ union that every athlete and financial-minded person should understand.
So, what are the allegations against now former NFLPA President Howell Jr. and what lead to his resignation? Or, a better question, what led him to astray from his values and chase greed?
🔍Why He Left
Howell faced serious conflict-of-interest concerns when he was simultaneously consulting for The Carlyle Group, a private-equity firm, approved to purchase NFL team minority shares.
This began raising questions on divided loyalties. He withheld parts of a January arbitration ruling, which said NFL owners were urged to reduce guaranteed contract money, at the league’s request.
A federal review is ongoing into licensing arrangements via One Team Partners, tied to the NFLPA.
Reports emerged of Howell charging the union for strip-club expenses labeled as “player engagement” which damaged his credibility and fiduciary stewardship.
⚖️The Player Impact
Union leaders don’t just represent players on the field. They handle millions in collective bargaining funds, health plans, licensing, and financial strategies.
So when a leader has conflicting financial ties, blocks access to contract arbitration insights and appears to misuse collective funds, players get shortchanged, misinformed, and exposed to unnecessary risk.
🔑APSM Takeaways for Men & Athletes
- Guard your leadership with integrity. Power without oversight leads to compromise of not just yourself, but also to the people who trust you.
- Know the money flow: contracts, collective funds and licensing all must be transparent, if you do not know the flow of money as the leader, you will be the one blamed when funds go missing.
- Accountability is mandatory: stewardship matters, in careers and life.
🧩What Comes Next
Howell’s resignation is effective immediately; he called himself a “distraction” to the NFLPA’s mission.
The executive committee will choose interim leadership quickly to stabilize negotiation plans, especially around upcoming CBA issues and potential 18-game season talks.
This isn’t just union drama. It’s a warning that financial literacy includes governance. When the steward is broken, players’ financial futures are too.
🔗Next Reads
- How NFL Signing Bonuses are Structured
- How the NFL Franchise Tag Works Financially
- T.J. Watt’s 3-Year, $123 Million Contract Extension
- Travis Hunter’s NFL Rookie Contract
- Cam Ward’s Rookie Contract with the Tennessee Titans
Credits
Written by: Aidan Anderson
Research and Analysis: Apostle Sports Media LLC
Sources: NFL.com, NFLPA.com, ESPN, ProFootballTalk, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, Associated Press, APSM proprietary analysis.
Featured Image: Public Domain / Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute as professional advice.
