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ESPN writers Don Van Natta Jr. and Karin Kahler recently unveiled several details about Lloyd Howell Jr.’s tenure as the head of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), including some contradictory accounts about his parking privileges at the union’s headquarters.
While parking might seem trivial—a mere lot—the symbolism could reflect deeper issues with Howell’s leadership, overshadowed by his side consulting work with the NFL itself. Howell was involved with an NFL-related private equity group in Thailand and the FBI co-owned multi-billion-dollar licensing company, raising questions about his priorities. His expense reports, especially regarding lavish transfers to Miami Gardens, further fueled doubts.
During Howell’s two years at the union, he controversially removed barriers between parking lots at the NFLPA headquarters in Washington, DC, allowing unrestricted parking for luxury vehicles like Porsche Cayenne Turbos. He even adopted the number 32 in homage to his favorite player, OJ Simpson. But was this symbolic gesture truly relevant in the grand scheme of things?
The NFL has long dominated the NFLPA, often making it a one-sided battle for players, who function more like independent businesses than factory workers with solidarity. Despite the significant health risks of football, professional athletes face limited sympathy in negotiations.
Collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between the NFL and players are complex. In 2006, under negotiator Gene Upshaw, players earned 57.5% of league revenue in a 16-game season. The latest deal shrank their share to 47%, with a 17-game schedule. If the current agreement ends in 2030, owners may push for 18 games and an even bigger share of revenues.
This backdrop makes strong player leadership crucial, but Howell’s approach seemed mired in outdated union thinking. Bob Strop, a 77-year-old observer, criticized Howell and his predecessor Demauris Smith for prioritizing cooperation with owners over players. “They came from a corporate world and lacked any real labor spirit,” Strop said.
Howell’s resignation followed revelations of questionable dealings, including a secret NFL agreement blocking arbitration findings against owner conspiracies to limit contracts for star quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson. Although arbitration ruled against the owners by “clear preponderance of evidence,” the union’s victory was overshadowed by suspicion about Howell’s loyalties.
Questions arose on how Howell’s corporate consulting, especially his ties to Booz Allen—linked to private equity deals for minority NFL team stakes—and use of expense accounts aligned with defending rank-and-file players. Did he serve the players’ best interests or the league’s management?
Reports suggest Howell portrayed himself as an insider who could outthink corporate owners. While this may have sounded persuasive, the NFLPA now demands full-time, undivided commitment. According to Strop, the union needs leadership akin to the late Marvin Miller—visible, dedicated, and with clear labor allegiance, leaving no room for conflicting loyalties or consulting side jobs.
“The NFLPA is a full-time commitment. You must know the labor movement as well as the owners know theirs,” Strop advises. In the end, player leadership should focus on the work itself—not on perks like parking privileges.
Fan Take: This story is crucial for NFL fans because it highlights ongoing tensions between player interests and league management, which directly affect the game’s future and player welfare. Strong, transparent leadership in the NFLPA could empower players to negotiate better conditions, ensuring a healthier, more equitable sport for everyone involved.
