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8 hours ago
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The NFL Players Association is in a mess of its own making after the abrupt resignation of Lloyd Howell Jr. on July 17, 2025. The union finds itself without stable leadership at arguably the worst possible time, with player trust fractured and serious questions swirling about its future.
Howell’s departure wasn’t just inevitable. It was necessary.
As Dan Graziano of ESPN reported, Howell was under fire for his undisclosed consulting relationship with The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm now aggressively seeking minority stakes in NFL franchises.
That alone would have been enough to raise eyebrows, but it didn’t stop there. Howell’s lack of transparency surrounding a crucial arbitration report alleging collusion by NFL owners to suppress guaranteed contracts made it impossible for him to lead.
Combine that with an active FBI investigation into the NFLPA’s financial dealings with OneTeam Partners, and it’s no wonder Howell’s resignation was described as
Effective immediately
The question now isn’t whether the NFLPA needed change. It’s who can actually lead this union back to credibility.
The answer is obvious: Domonique Foxworth.
For starters, Foxworth has done the job before. From 2012 to 2014, he served as NFLPA President, helping the union navigate the turbulent aftermath of the 2011 lockout and CBA negotiations.
He understands the inner workings of the union, the personalities involved, and most importantly, what it means to fight for players, not owners.
His track record is public, his reputation among current and former players remains strong, and his experience from those negotiations gives him credibility that the next leader will desperately need.
What makes Foxworth the perfect choice now is how much he’s grown since his first stint in NFLPA leadership. Over the past decade, Foxworth has become one of ESPN’s most trusted voices on labor issues.
Through his work as a host and analyst, he’s proven he can break down complex labor disputes, articulate player-first arguments, and challenge NFL ownership publicly in a way today’s generation of players respects.
He’s already shown he can communicate at the highest level. That’s something Lloyd Howell fundamentally lacked.
Foxworth hasn’t just remained connected to the league. He’s remained connected to the culture of NFL players today. His advocacy on issues like guaranteed contracts, player health, and social justice aligns with what this union claims it wants to prioritize moving forward.
His credibility isn’t manufactured. It’s earned.
While names like Don Davis and Tom DePaso are reportedly under consideration to steady the ship, neither of them represents forward momentum.
USA Today’s Tyler Dragon framed it well.
“Howell’s short but controversial tenure must serve as a learning experience for the board of player representatives who elect the executive director,” Dragon wrote.
There’s a big difference between temporary stability and long-term leadership. If the NFLPA wants real change, it needs to think bigger.
Foxworth brings more than just experience. He brings vision. He’s outspoken, media savvy, trusted, and understands the evolving landscape of labor negotiations in a league where owners are already preparing for the next fight over revenue splits, healthcare, and the continued erosion of guaranteed deals for players.
If this is about restoring player trust, then there’s no better face for the job. Foxworth understands the stakes, and he knows how to deliver the message. That matters far more than corporate credentials right now.
The NFLPA can’t stumble again. With training camps underway, CBA battles looming, and players growing more vocal about their futures, the union needs someone battle-tested, credible, and player-first.
Foxworth should get his second shot at leading the NFLPA. He’s the right person at exactly the right time.
English (US)