NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell resigns amid controversy about hiring process

by: Nick Schultz • 54 minutes ago • NickSchultz_7

Lloyd Howell announced his resignation as executive director of the NFL Players Association Thursday night. The decision comes after an ESPN report about the hiring process and whether or not NFLPA members knew about a 2011 lawsuit.

Howell’s name was in the news for multiple reasons this week. ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. and Kalyn Kahler reported he also works as a part-time consultant for The Carlyle Group , which is one of the NFL-approved private equity firms seeking a minority ownership in NFL franchises. That would create the appearance of a conflict of interest if the firm secured an ownership stake in a team.

Then, on Thursday, ESPN reported Howell was sued for sexual discrimination and retaliation in 2011 while he worked at Booz Allen Hamilton as a senior director. There was a disagreement among those who voted for him about whether they knew about the suit upon his hiring in 2023.

The decision to resign was Howell’s, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. The NFLPA’s board is expected to meet soon to discuss next steps and a possible interim executive director.

NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell steps down. pic.twitter.com/p94TWAFdgU

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 18, 2025

“It’s clear that my leadership has become a distraction to the important work the NFLPA advances every day,” Howell wrote in his letter. “For this reason, I have informed the NFLPA Executive Committee that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the NFLPA and Chairman of the Board of NFL Players effective immediately. I hope this will allow the NFLPA to maintain its focus on its player members ahead of the upcoming season.”

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