The NFL Players Association is currently engulfed in turmoil following the resignations of president JC Tretter and executive director Lloyd Howell, leaving the union without clear leadership. These departures came after investigations into Howell’s involvement in prior lawsuits, possible conflicts of interest, and questionable expense claims, while Tretter had emerged as a candidate to replace him. This leadership void has exacerbated existing instability within the players‘ union just as crucial negotiations loom.
Players Express Frustration Over Unfolding Union Issues
Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, a 13-year veteran and All-Pro, bluntly described the situation as a “s— show,” acknowledging that insiders have been aware of the dysfunction for some time. The union’s lack of leadership challenges players’ ability to negotiate effectively with team owners, who currently hold significant leverage due to a collective bargaining agreement with six years remaining.
Philadelphia’s player representative, left tackle Jordan Mailata, admitted the crisis has complicated efforts to keep players informed and united. He emphasized that while the union is in disarray, the priority remains focusing on player interests and securing the necessary support to address their concerns effectively.
Owners Gain Advantage as Players’ Union Struggles
With no executive director or president to guide them, the NFLPA risks losing ground in upcoming collective bargaining talks. Owners have advocated for an 18-game schedule and other changes and can present themselves as the more stable negotiating party amid the union’s internal chaos. This power imbalance could influence the structure of the next collective bargaining agreement beginning in 2031.
Player Representatives Acknowledge Need for Better Communication
Mailata recognized his role as player rep demands increased effort to educate teammates about union developments and benefits. He stressed that players often discover issues late, underscoring his commitment to improving communication so members stay better informed and engaged in union matters.
Prominent Players Admit Limited Awareness but Show Growing Interest
Star running back Saquon Barkley, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Pro, confessed he had been focused on other priorities and not closely following the union’s controversy. However, he acknowledged that conversations about the crisis will become more frequent, especially during team gatherings such as training camp.
Union’s Future Remains Uncertain but Hopeful
Despite the cloud hanging over the NFLPA, the most severe phase of the crisis may be behind them, though significant challenges remain in rebuilding trust and functionality. Johnson, with his lengthy career and perspective, summarized the union’s state as its weakest period but expressed hope for improvement, stating players will care more once their voices are effectively heard and represented.
“It’s a shit show, I guess,”
said Lane Johnson, Eagles right tackle and All-Pro.
“I mean, yeah, you can call it how it is. It’s a mess,”
added Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia’s player representative.
“But we have the right people in place right now — right now. The main focus is all about the players, right? We need more people right now to get that job done and refocus for the players to feel supported.”
“I think I gotta do a better job of education as a player rep,”
Mailata admitted.
“The guys may not know a couple things about benefits or what’s going on in the news until they hear about it on the news. I think I gotta do a better job of communicating, giving them a heads up.”
“It’s not on them. Yes they should take an interest, but there’s a reason why I’m a player rep. I should be doing a better job of engaging with the guys.”
“Sadly enough I should be following that a lot more,”
said Saquon Barkley.
“I’ve just kinda been focused on a lot of other things right now. But that’s the beauty of training camp. That’s definitely the conversation that will be coming up at the lunch table.”
“I think [players] will care more when they have their voices heard. Right now, I think we have the weakest union in sports.”
—Lane Johnson
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Lane Johnson ever caught a pass?
A. During the game on December 26th against the New York Giants, Johnson was allowed to be a receiver. He caught a pass from Jalen Hurts and scored a 5-yard touchdown. This was his first touchdown catch.
Q. What did Lane Johnson test positive for?
A. In 2014, news came out on June 30 that Johnson failed a drug test for performance-enhancers. This led to his suspension from the first four games of the 2014 season.