Remove Lloyd Howell Jr. As Executive Director Of The NFL Players Association
Remove Lloyd Howell Jr. As Executive Director Of The NFL Players Association
The Issue
PETITION: Remove Lloyd Howell as NFLPA Executive Director
TO: NFLPA Board of Player Representatives and All NFL Players
We, the undersigned current and former NFLPA employees, current and former NFL players, concerned stakeholders in professional football, NFL fans, and people of conscience and common sense, call for the immediate resignation or termination of Lloyd Howell as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association.
Executive Summary
Since taking office in July 2023, Lloyd Howell has demonstrated a pattern of poor judgment, financial mismanagement, and conflicts of interest that have cost the NFLPA millions of dollars and compromised the union's ability to effectively represent NFL players. His track record of failures, both at the NFLPA and in his previous role at Booz Allen Hamilton, makes clear that he is unfit to lead the players' union.
Evidence of Incompetence and Misconduct
- Financial Misconduct at Booz Allen Hamilton
During Howell's tenure as Chief Financial Officer at Booz Allen Hamilton (2016-2022), the company engaged in systematic overcharging of the federal government that resulted in one of the largest procurement fraud settlements in U.S. history[1][2][3]. In July 2023, just one month after Howell's hiring by the NFLPA, Booz Allen agreed to pay $377.5 million to settle allegations that it improperly charged costs to government contracts from 2011 to 2021[1][2][3].
The Department of Justice found that Booz Allen "allocated indirect costs from commercial and international business to government contracts and subcontracts that either had no nexus to the government contracts or were allocated in disproportionate amounts"[4]. This occurred entirely during Howell's watch as CFO, raising serious questions about his financial oversight capabilities and ethical judgment.
2. Secretive and Corrupt Hiring Process
Howell's own hiring was the result of a deliberately opaque process that lacked transparency and appeared designed to avoid scrutiny[5][6]. The NFLPA's search, conducted by Russell Reynolds Associates, was criticized for its "irrational and extreme degree of secrecy," with players not even aware of Howell's candidacy until the week of the vote[7].
Following his hiring, Howell immediately engaged in apparent quid pro quo arrangements:
- Hired JC Tretter as "Chief Strategy Officer" in a newly created position, rewarding the former NFLPA president who had orchestrated Howell's secretive selection process[8][9]
- Hired a former Russell Reynolds Associates employee full-time at the NFLPA and continued using Russell Reynolds Associates for multiple subsequent searches[10]
3. Catastrophic Panini Decision
In one of his first major decisions as Executive Director, Howell attempted to terminate the NFLPA's contract with trading card company Panini to benefit Fanatics[11][12]. This decision backfired spectacularly when arbitrators ruled unanimously that the termination was invalid and constituted a breach of contract[13][12].
The NFLPA was ordered to pay over $7 million in damages to Panini, money that should have gone to player services and benefits[13][12][14]. The arbitrators found that Howell's termination violated the NFLPA's "legal obligation to Panini, its moral obligation to fans and collectors, and its fiduciary duties to its members"[12]. Legal fees for the case are estimated at an additional $5 million.
4. OneTeam Partners Investigation and FBI Probe
Howell's management of the NFLPA's relationship with OneTeam Partners has become the subject of an active FBI investigation[11][15][16]. Federal agents have contacted NFL players as part of an investigation into financial dealings related to OneTeam, a group licensing firm co-owned by the NFLPA[15][16].
The investigation centers on whether union leaders, including Howell, improperly benefited from OneTeam equity arrangements[17][18]. An internal NFLPA investigation into these matters has reportedly been hampered by Howell's interference[19][20].
5. Hidden Collusion Ruling
Most egregiously, Howell has been accused of hiding a favorable collusion ruling from NFL players in coordination with the NFL[19][21]. The ruling, which found evidence that NFL owners were encouraged to reduce contract guarantees, was kept secret despite representing a partial victory for players[21]. This represents a fundamental betrayal of his duty to transparently represent player interests.
6. Conflict of Interest with Carlyle Group
Despite earning $3.6 million annually from the NFLPA[22][23], Howell maintains a paid position with The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm approved by the NFL to pursue minority ownership stakes in NFL teams[24][25]. This creates an obvious conflict of interest where Howell's financial interests may be aligned with NFL ownership rather than the players he is supposed to represent.
When confronted by NFLPA counsel about this conflict, Howell refused to resign from his Carlyle Group position**[25]. A union attorney reportedly urged him to step down due to the apparent conflict, but Howell chose his outside financial interests over his duty to the players.
Pattern of Poor Judgment
These failures are not isolated incidents but represent a consistent pattern of poor decision-making, ethical lapses, and prioritizing personal interests over player welfare. Under Howell's leadership, the NFLPA has:
- Lost millions in unnecessary litigation
- Become subject to federal criminal investigation
- Hidden favorable legal victories from its own members
- Engaged in apparent conflicts of interest with NFL-aligned entities
- Conducted business through secretive, quid pro quo arrangements
Call to Action
**We demand Lloyd Howell's immediate resignation or termination as NFLPA Executive Director.**
The players of the NFL deserve leadership that is:
- **Transparent** in its operations and decision-making
- **Competent** in financial and legal matters
- **Ethical** in avoiding conflicts of interest
- **Accountable** to the membership it serves
Lloyd Howell has failed on every measure. His continued leadership threatens the union's credibility, wastes player resources, and compromises the NFLPA's ability to effectively advocate for NFL players.
Who Should Sign This Petition
- **Current and former NFLPA employees** who have witnessed this mismanagement firsthand
- **Current and former NFL players** whose interests have been compromised
- **NFL fans** who want to see players properly represented
- **Anyone with common sense** who recognizes gross incompetence when they see it
The time for change is now. The players deserve better leadership, and the NFLPA deserves an Executive Director who puts player interests first.
**Sign this petition to demand accountability and competent leadership for the NFL Players Association.**
*This petition is sponsored by concerned stakeholders who believe in transparent, competent leadership for the NFL Players Association. All information is based on publicly reported facts and legal proceedings.*
Sources
[1] Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp ; BAH ; 1443646 ; 10-k ; 2024-05-24 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1443646/000144364624000075/bah-20240331.htm
[2] - Page 1 of 13 - https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/1306987/dl
[3] NFLPA Head's Former Firm Pays $377 Million to U.S. Government https://frontofficesports.com/new-nflpa-heads-former-firm-pays-377-million-settlement-to-u-s-government/
[4] Government Contractor Booz Allen Hamilton Enters One of the Largest Procurement Fraud Settlements with DOJ over FCA Allegations | JD Supra https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/government-contractor-booz-allen-8424185/
[5] Where did Lloyd Howell, the NFLPA's new executive director, come ... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4653443/2023/06/30/nflpa-executive-director-lloyd-howell-background/
[6] NFLPA says search complied with "NFLPA's Constitution and all ... https://sports.yahoo.com/nflpa-says-search-complied-nflpa-183200541.html
[7] New NFLPA executive director's former firm pays $377 million ... https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/new-nflpa-executive-directors-former-firm-pays-377-million-settlement-to-u-s-government
[8] NFLPA hires JC Tretter in new strategy role - Sports Business Journal https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/10/01/nflpa-hires-jc-tretter-chief-strategy-officer/
[9] JC Tretter returns to NFLPA, as "chief strategy officer" - NBC Sports https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jc-tretter-returns-to-nflpa-as-chief-strategy-officer
[10] NFL hires search firm for general counsel https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/08/22/Football/nfl-general-counsel/
[11] FBI probe of OneTeam Partners extends from MLBPA to NFLPA https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/fbi-probe-of-oneteam-partners-extends-from-mlbpa-to-nflpa
[12] NFLPA loses $7 million to Panini for breaching trading-card deal https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-loses-7-million-to-panini-for-breaching-trading-card-deal
[13] Report: Panini Wins in NFLPA Case, Awarded $7 Million https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/report-arbitrator-rules-in-paninis-favor-in-nflpa-case-awards-it-7-million/
[14] Panini Wins Huge Victory Over NFLPA https://cardlines.com/nflpa-panini-lawsuit/
[15] Federal agents contacting NFL, MLB players as part of investigation ... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6393997/2025/05/30/federal-agents-investigation-mlbpa-nflpa-oneteam/
[16] Sources: FBI probes MLBPA business partnership - ESPN https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45394094/fbi-probes-finances-mlbpa-partnership
[17] The OneTeam Partners controversy involving NFLPA, MLBPA becomes a bit more clear https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/the-oneteam-partners-controversy-involving-nflpa-mlbpa-becomes-a-bit-more-clear
[18] NFLPA, OneTeam Partners in legal tangle over equity options https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/nflpa-oneteam-partners-in-legal-tangle-over-stock-options.html
[19] NFLPA hires outside law firm to review Lloyd Howell's work as executive director https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-hires-outside-law-firm-to-review-lloyd-howells-work-as-executive-director
[20] NFLPA Launches Investigation into Executive Director Amid ... https://news.ssbcrack.com/nflpa-launches-investigation-into-executive-director-amid-collusion-ruling-fallout/
[21] Agent's Take: Thoughts and observations regarding ruling in NFLPA collusion grievance vs. NFL https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-thoughts-and-observations-regarding-ruling-in-nflpa-collusion-grievance-vs-nfl/
[22] Howell made $3.6M in first full year as NFLPA chief https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/05/29/lloyd-howell-made-36m-in-first-full-year-as-nflpa-chief/
[23] NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell made $3.6 million in his first ... https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-executive-director-lloyd-howell-made-3-6-million-in-his-first-full-year-on-the-job
[24] Source - NFLPA head also works for firm approved to invest in NFL https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45705432/nflpa-head-works-firm-approved-invest-nfl
[25] Report: Lloyd Howell works as part-time consultant for private-equity ... https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-lloyd-howell-works-as-part-time-consultant-for-private-equity-fund-with-nfl-ties
The Issue
PETITION: Remove Lloyd Howell as NFLPA Executive Director
TO: NFLPA Board of Player Representatives and All NFL Players
We, the undersigned current and former NFLPA employees, current and former NFL players, concerned stakeholders in professional football, NFL fans, and people of conscience and common sense, call for the immediate resignation or termination of Lloyd Howell as Executive Director of the NFL Players Association.
Executive Summary
Since taking office in July 2023, Lloyd Howell has demonstrated a pattern of poor judgment, financial mismanagement, and conflicts of interest that have cost the NFLPA millions of dollars and compromised the union's ability to effectively represent NFL players. His track record of failures, both at the NFLPA and in his previous role at Booz Allen Hamilton, makes clear that he is unfit to lead the players' union.
Evidence of Incompetence and Misconduct
- Financial Misconduct at Booz Allen Hamilton
During Howell's tenure as Chief Financial Officer at Booz Allen Hamilton (2016-2022), the company engaged in systematic overcharging of the federal government that resulted in one of the largest procurement fraud settlements in U.S. history[1][2][3]. In July 2023, just one month after Howell's hiring by the NFLPA, Booz Allen agreed to pay $377.5 million to settle allegations that it improperly charged costs to government contracts from 2011 to 2021[1][2][3].
The Department of Justice found that Booz Allen "allocated indirect costs from commercial and international business to government contracts and subcontracts that either had no nexus to the government contracts or were allocated in disproportionate amounts"[4]. This occurred entirely during Howell's watch as CFO, raising serious questions about his financial oversight capabilities and ethical judgment.
2. Secretive and Corrupt Hiring Process
Howell's own hiring was the result of a deliberately opaque process that lacked transparency and appeared designed to avoid scrutiny[5][6]. The NFLPA's search, conducted by Russell Reynolds Associates, was criticized for its "irrational and extreme degree of secrecy," with players not even aware of Howell's candidacy until the week of the vote[7].
Following his hiring, Howell immediately engaged in apparent quid pro quo arrangements:
- Hired JC Tretter as "Chief Strategy Officer" in a newly created position, rewarding the former NFLPA president who had orchestrated Howell's secretive selection process[8][9]
- Hired a former Russell Reynolds Associates employee full-time at the NFLPA and continued using Russell Reynolds Associates for multiple subsequent searches[10]
3. Catastrophic Panini Decision
In one of his first major decisions as Executive Director, Howell attempted to terminate the NFLPA's contract with trading card company Panini to benefit Fanatics[11][12]. This decision backfired spectacularly when arbitrators ruled unanimously that the termination was invalid and constituted a breach of contract[13][12].
The NFLPA was ordered to pay over $7 million in damages to Panini, money that should have gone to player services and benefits[13][12][14]. The arbitrators found that Howell's termination violated the NFLPA's "legal obligation to Panini, its moral obligation to fans and collectors, and its fiduciary duties to its members"[12]. Legal fees for the case are estimated at an additional $5 million.
4. OneTeam Partners Investigation and FBI Probe
Howell's management of the NFLPA's relationship with OneTeam Partners has become the subject of an active FBI investigation[11][15][16]. Federal agents have contacted NFL players as part of an investigation into financial dealings related to OneTeam, a group licensing firm co-owned by the NFLPA[15][16].
The investigation centers on whether union leaders, including Howell, improperly benefited from OneTeam equity arrangements[17][18]. An internal NFLPA investigation into these matters has reportedly been hampered by Howell's interference[19][20].
5. Hidden Collusion Ruling
Most egregiously, Howell has been accused of hiding a favorable collusion ruling from NFL players in coordination with the NFL[19][21]. The ruling, which found evidence that NFL owners were encouraged to reduce contract guarantees, was kept secret despite representing a partial victory for players[21]. This represents a fundamental betrayal of his duty to transparently represent player interests.
6. Conflict of Interest with Carlyle Group
Despite earning $3.6 million annually from the NFLPA[22][23], Howell maintains a paid position with The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm approved by the NFL to pursue minority ownership stakes in NFL teams[24][25]. This creates an obvious conflict of interest where Howell's financial interests may be aligned with NFL ownership rather than the players he is supposed to represent.
When confronted by NFLPA counsel about this conflict, Howell refused to resign from his Carlyle Group position**[25]. A union attorney reportedly urged him to step down due to the apparent conflict, but Howell chose his outside financial interests over his duty to the players.
Pattern of Poor Judgment
These failures are not isolated incidents but represent a consistent pattern of poor decision-making, ethical lapses, and prioritizing personal interests over player welfare. Under Howell's leadership, the NFLPA has:
- Lost millions in unnecessary litigation
- Become subject to federal criminal investigation
- Hidden favorable legal victories from its own members
- Engaged in apparent conflicts of interest with NFL-aligned entities
- Conducted business through secretive, quid pro quo arrangements
Call to Action
**We demand Lloyd Howell's immediate resignation or termination as NFLPA Executive Director.**
The players of the NFL deserve leadership that is:
- **Transparent** in its operations and decision-making
- **Competent** in financial and legal matters
- **Ethical** in avoiding conflicts of interest
- **Accountable** to the membership it serves
Lloyd Howell has failed on every measure. His continued leadership threatens the union's credibility, wastes player resources, and compromises the NFLPA's ability to effectively advocate for NFL players.
Who Should Sign This Petition
- **Current and former NFLPA employees** who have witnessed this mismanagement firsthand
- **Current and former NFL players** whose interests have been compromised
- **NFL fans** who want to see players properly represented
- **Anyone with common sense** who recognizes gross incompetence when they see it
The time for change is now. The players deserve better leadership, and the NFLPA deserves an Executive Director who puts player interests first.
**Sign this petition to demand accountability and competent leadership for the NFL Players Association.**
*This petition is sponsored by concerned stakeholders who believe in transparent, competent leadership for the NFL Players Association. All information is based on publicly reported facts and legal proceedings.*
Sources
[1] Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp ; BAH ; 1443646 ; 10-k ; 2024-05-24 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1443646/000144364624000075/bah-20240331.htm
[2] - Page 1 of 13 - https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/1306987/dl
[3] NFLPA Head's Former Firm Pays $377 Million to U.S. Government https://frontofficesports.com/new-nflpa-heads-former-firm-pays-377-million-settlement-to-u-s-government/
[4] Government Contractor Booz Allen Hamilton Enters One of the Largest Procurement Fraud Settlements with DOJ over FCA Allegations | JD Supra https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/government-contractor-booz-allen-8424185/
[5] Where did Lloyd Howell, the NFLPA's new executive director, come ... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4653443/2023/06/30/nflpa-executive-director-lloyd-howell-background/
[6] NFLPA says search complied with "NFLPA's Constitution and all ... https://sports.yahoo.com/nflpa-says-search-complied-nflpa-183200541.html
[7] New NFLPA executive director's former firm pays $377 million ... https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/new-nflpa-executive-directors-former-firm-pays-377-million-settlement-to-u-s-government
[8] NFLPA hires JC Tretter in new strategy role - Sports Business Journal https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/10/01/nflpa-hires-jc-tretter-chief-strategy-officer/
[9] JC Tretter returns to NFLPA, as "chief strategy officer" - NBC Sports https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jc-tretter-returns-to-nflpa-as-chief-strategy-officer
[10] NFL hires search firm for general counsel https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/08/22/Football/nfl-general-counsel/
[11] FBI probe of OneTeam Partners extends from MLBPA to NFLPA https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/fbi-probe-of-oneteam-partners-extends-from-mlbpa-to-nflpa
[12] NFLPA loses $7 million to Panini for breaching trading-card deal https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-loses-7-million-to-panini-for-breaching-trading-card-deal
[13] Report: Panini Wins in NFLPA Case, Awarded $7 Million https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/report-arbitrator-rules-in-paninis-favor-in-nflpa-case-awards-it-7-million/
[14] Panini Wins Huge Victory Over NFLPA https://cardlines.com/nflpa-panini-lawsuit/
[15] Federal agents contacting NFL, MLB players as part of investigation ... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6393997/2025/05/30/federal-agents-investigation-mlbpa-nflpa-oneteam/
[16] Sources: FBI probes MLBPA business partnership - ESPN https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45394094/fbi-probes-finances-mlbpa-partnership
[17] The OneTeam Partners controversy involving NFLPA, MLBPA becomes a bit more clear https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/the-oneteam-partners-controversy-involving-nflpa-mlbpa-becomes-a-bit-more-clear
[18] NFLPA, OneTeam Partners in legal tangle over equity options https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/nflpa-oneteam-partners-in-legal-tangle-over-stock-options.html
[19] NFLPA hires outside law firm to review Lloyd Howell's work as executive director https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-hires-outside-law-firm-to-review-lloyd-howells-work-as-executive-director
[20] NFLPA Launches Investigation into Executive Director Amid ... https://news.ssbcrack.com/nflpa-launches-investigation-into-executive-director-amid-collusion-ruling-fallout/
[21] Agent's Take: Thoughts and observations regarding ruling in NFLPA collusion grievance vs. NFL https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-thoughts-and-observations-regarding-ruling-in-nflpa-collusion-grievance-vs-nfl/
[22] Howell made $3.6M in first full year as NFLPA chief https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/05/29/lloyd-howell-made-36m-in-first-full-year-as-nflpa-chief/
[23] NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell made $3.6 million in his first ... https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nflpa-executive-director-lloyd-howell-made-3-6-million-in-his-first-full-year-on-the-job
[24] Source - NFLPA head also works for firm approved to invest in NFL https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45705432/nflpa-head-works-firm-approved-invest-nfl
[25] Report: Lloyd Howell works as part-time consultant for private-equity ... https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-lloyd-howell-works-as-part-time-consultant-for-private-equity-fund-with-nfl-ties
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Petition created on July 10, 2025