NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell Jr. Resigns Amid Controversy and FBI Investigation

In Washington D.C., the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has seen a significant shake-up as Lloyd Howell Jr. has announced his resignation from his position as Executive Director. This decision comes late Thursday and marks the end of a controversial two-year term.

Howell, aged 59, made the announcement via a statement released by the union, saying, “It’s clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day.” He added that stepping down would allow the NFLPA to refocus on its player members as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Howell’s departure seems to have taken some members of the NFLPA’s executive committee by surprise. He was appointed after a lengthy, 16-month search to find a successor to DeMaurice Smith, who had led the NFLPA from 2009 to 2023. Sources have indicated that Howell stepped down of his own accord and did so after considerable scrutiny surrounding his tenure.

Recent reports have highlighted an ongoing investigation by the FBI into the NFLPA’s financial dealings, particularly involving a group-licensing firm, OneTeam Partners. The inquiry is being conducted alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York. Following the reports, the NFLPA hired a law firm to review Howell’s actions during his time in office.

Just last week, it was reported that Howell was also working as a part-time consultant for a private equity firm interested in NFL team ownership. Concerns about potential conflicts of interest led some within the union to encourage him to resign.

Another notable aspect of Howell’s brief executive directorate was his previous legal issue regarding a sexual discrimination and retaliation lawsuit from 2011 while he was employed at Booz Allen Hamilton. Questions have arisen regarding whether NFLPA members were informed about this lawsuit prior to voting for him as the executive director in 2023.

Despite these growing issues, it seems that Howell did have some supporters. As recently as Wednesday, two executive board members expressed their approval of his leadership. However, the executive committee is now expected to meet promptly to discuss their next steps, which could involve appointing an interim executive director.

This significant change in leadership comes as the NFLPA represents nearly 2,000 professional football players, ensuring their interests are protected as the new season approaches.