JC Tretter, a retired Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman, has been voted the NFL Players Association's executive director, the union announced Tuesday.
"There are times in your life when you know that you are exactly where you're supposed to be. That's where I am today. I'm grateful for the trust my fellow players have placed in me, and I'm going to reward that trust with my fullest commitment to these players and chart a new course for our union. My sole goal is to build up the strength of the NFLPA," Tretter said . "I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and how important it is to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with player leadership. This union has always played a critical role in shaping the game, and that work is as important now as it's ever been. The NFLPA needs leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts players first every day. That's exactly how I plan to lead."
Tretter previously served as the NFLPA president from 2020 to 2024 and was the union's chief strategy officer, beginning in October of 2024, but resigned in July of 2025. Tretter's resignation came just days after Lloyd Howell stepped down from his executive director position after ESPN reports that he maintained a part-time consulting job with the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm that held league approval to seek minority ownership in NFL franchises.
At the time, Tretter denied playing any role in Howell's resignation and having any interest in his position.
Roughly eight months later, Tretter has filled the executive director position via vote from players representatives.
Tretter, 35, is expected to start on April 1, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported.
"On behalf of the Board of Player Representatives, we are proud to welcome JC Tretter as our new executive director and confident in the leadership that he will bring to our union," the NFLPA statement read. "This decision reflects the responsibility our Board of Player Representatives carries on behalf of every player. We conducted a thorough, deliberate search to identify the right long-term leader to deliver sustained, meaningful progress for our members. JC earned the trust of our Board and demonstrated a clear commitment to serving this membership. We're excited about what's ahead.
"As our union moves into this next chapter, we'd like to thank David White for his steadfast leadership and dedication over the past seven months, which brought stability and focus back to our union."
According to the union, more than 300 candidates were considered.
Commissioner Roger Goodell offered his congratulations to Tretter, the NFLPA's fifth executive director.
"I want to congratulate JC Tretter on his election as executive director of the NFL Players Association," the statement read. "As a former player, JC brings a unique perspective to this critical leadership role shaped by his firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the men he represents. We have worked with JC for several years, first as union president when he helped the league and the NFLPA successfully navigate through COVID during the 2020 season. We look forward to building upon that relationship to further our shared priorities, including our commitment to advancing player health and safety and ensuring the global growth of our game for our fans, the players and our clubs."
