The National Football League Players Association was hit with multiple scandals during the offseason, ultimately forcing Lloyd Howell to step down from his role as executive director. Now the union has turned to David White, who narrowly lost the executive director position to Howell back in 2023, as their new interim leader.
What Makes David White the Right Choice to Lead the NFLPA?
NFLPA president Jalen Reeves-Maybin announced late Sunday that the union had selected White as interim executive director. Player representatives from all 32 NFL teams participated in the vote, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Reeves-Maybin expressed complete confidence in White’s leadership abilities, though the union hasn’t revealed how long he’ll serve in this interim capacity.
“We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership,” Reeves-Maybin said in a statement. “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.”
White brings serious legal credentials to the role. The attorney previously served as executive director and chief negotiator for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), giving him direct experience leading a major entertainment union.
He’s also worked as board chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and currently serves as a strategic adviser to a venture capital firm. The union hasn’t clarified whether White will step away from his venture capital role or juggle both responsibilities.
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 4, 2025
Beyond his union experience, White runs 3CG, “an executive coaching and strategic consulting firm.” This appointment marks his second shot at leading the NFLPA after losing to Howell in their 2023 head-to-head race.
Interestingly, the executive committee had actually voted 10-1 in White’s favor that time, according to former NFLPA chief strategy officer JC Tretter. However, that crucial information never reached the players, who ultimately chose Howell instead.
Why Did Lloyd Howell’s Leadership End in Controversy?
Howell’s time as executive director became increasingly turbulent, though many issues only surfaced publicly after a bombshell report last month. The report revealed how the NFL and NFLPA had buried a ruling on a collusion grievance that actually encouraged teams to reduce guaranteed money for players.
Additionally, allegations emerged that Howell had spent more than $2,500 at strip clubs while maintaining outside work commitments during his tenure as executive director.
White’s selection doesn’t necessarily signal a complete organizational overhaul, considering his involvement in the 2023 leadership contest and his own outside business interests. However, as an interim appointment, he provides the union with experienced leadership while they search for a permanent solution.
This timing becomes especially critical as the NFLPA prepares for the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations that will shape the future of player compensation and working conditions across the league.
Not going to mention the child abuse coverup?