The search for a permanent executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has reached a critical phase as the organization identifies its finalists, according to multiple sources reported by ESPN. Current interim director David White and former player president JC Tretter are among those in contention for the position.
Sources familiar with the ongoing process indicated that the NFLPA executive committee has narrowed the pool of candidates to include White and Tretter, alongside Tim Pernetti, who currently serves as the commissioner of the American Conference. The 32 player representatives of the NFLPA are scheduled to cast their votes for the finalists during the annual meeting in San Diego next month.
The executive committee has emphasized that they are conducting a thorough search, which includes a number of highly qualified candidates. However, they have chosen not to disclose specific names out of respect for the confidentiality of the process. The NFLPA has been in search of a permanent leader since the resignation of Lloyd Howell in July, following allegations that he misused union funds for personal expenses related to strip club visits. Additionally, Howell”s part-time work with the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm pursuing minority ownership of NFL teams, raised further concerns.
White assumed the role of interim executive director in August after Howell”s departure. He has a background as the former CEO of 3CG Ventures and was previously the chair of the board for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. His labor experience includes leading the SAG-AFTRA union from 2009 to 2021, representing 160,000 members in the entertainment sector. During his interim tenure, White has expressed that NFL players show little interest in adding an 18th game to the regular season, a proposal that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly considered.
Tretter, who previously held the position of chief strategy officer under Howell, resigned following the revelations regarding Howell”s conduct. A retired offensive lineman, Tretter served as player president from 2020 to 2024. He was initially considered for the interim executive director position post-Howell”s resignation but opted to withdraw his name. Notably, Tretter was responsible for leading the extensive search that culminated in Howell”s election in 2023, and he made significant changes to the NFLPA”s constitution to enhance the confidentiality of the search and election process.
Other candidates for the executive director role have included Domonique Foxworth, a former player and ESPN commentator who served as NFLPA president from 2012 to 2014; former player representative Matt Schaub; and Jeff Saturday, another former player and ESPN commentator. Schaub has not yet commented on the situation, while Saturday confirmed he interviewed for the position with the search firm engaged by the NFLPA, not directly with the executive committee. Foxworth also stated he interviewed with the search firm.
As the NFLPA moves forward with its selection process, maintaining confidentiality remains a priority, with only the executive committee and the finalists being privy to the names of the candidates. This approach aims to prevent the media leaks that have affected past elections.
