NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell resigns amid controversy about hiring process

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Nick Schultz | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 1:05 AM ET

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.”

Howell informed NFLPA membership Thursday night of his decision to resign. The NFLPA Executive Committee also sent a message to membership – obtained by Yahoo! Sports’ Jori Epstein – about what lies ahead.

“This evening, Lloyd Howell informed us that he is stepping down as Executive Director of the union,” the message read. “We accepted his resignation and are grateful for his service. The Board will convene as soon as possible for a meeting on next steps and will be in touch with our membership soon.”

Howell took over as executive director of the NFLPA in June 2023 following DeMaurice Smith’s departure. He previously spent 34 years at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer before his retirement in 2022.

Howell’s resignation comes as NFL teams are getting ready to begin training camp. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said there is no provision for this situation in the NFLPA’s constitution, which is why the board of representatives is expected to meet by this weekend to assess where things stand.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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