David White appointed interim executive director of the NFL Players Association amid leadership changes
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 04, 2025, 21:36 IST
( Image credit : AP )
David White, formerly of SAG-AFTRA, has been appointed as the interim executive director of the NFL Players Association, succeeding Lloyd Howell. This decision comes as the union faces crucial labor negotiations and seeks to reinforce player advocacy. White aims to rebuild trust and prioritize player interests, bringing extensive labor experience to the NFLPA.
David White, former executive director of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), has been elected interim executive director of the National Football League Players Association, the union announced Sunday night.
White succeeds Lloyd Howell, who resigned last month amid mounting scrutiny and internal criticism, leaving the union seeking steady leadership ahead of key labor negotiations and player advocacy efforts.
“We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership,” NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin said in a statement. “David has spent much of his career fighting for collectively bargained rights in the labor movement and is committed to putting players first in all that the union does.”
White was selected from a field of internal and external candidates following a two-week interview process conducted by the NFLPA’s Board of Player Representatives. All 32 teams participated in the vote, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the details were not public.
In a statement, White said he was honored by the appointment and committed to rebuilding trust among players.
“It’s a duty I do not take lightly, and I’m committed to re-establishing trust and ensuring the union is serving its members best,” White said. “I look forward to working with the entire NFLPA team to protect players’ health and safety, secure their financial well-being, and further strengthen their voice to shape their futures.”
White brings decades of labor experience to the role. He previously led SAG-AFTRA during a pivotal era that included major negotiations with studios and streaming services. He now heads 3CG Ventures, an executive coaching and consulting firm that advises top leaders in the entertainment and financial sectors.
The union’s decision comes as it prepares for upcoming negotiations with the league, including continued discussions around player safety protocols, financial benefits, and post-career support.
Reeves-Maybin emphasized that the process of selecting a permanent executive director will begin soon and remain player-driven.
“This process will continue to be player-led, as the strength of our union has and will always lie with our membership,” he said.
Howell’s resignation came after internal conflicts reportedly disrupted union activities, prompting calls for a leadership reset. White’s appointment signals the NFLPA’s intent to restore unity and focus heading into a pivotal period for the organization.
White succeeds Lloyd Howell, who resigned last month amid mounting scrutiny and internal criticism, leaving the union seeking steady leadership ahead of key labor negotiations and player advocacy efforts.
“We have full faith in David to take the union forward and operate in the best interests of our membership,” NFLPA President Jalen Reeves-Maybin said in a statement. “David has spent much of his career fighting for collectively bargained rights in the labor movement and is committed to putting players first in all that the union does.”
White was selected from a field of internal and external candidates following a two-week interview process conducted by the NFLPA’s Board of Player Representatives. All 32 teams participated in the vote, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the details were not public.
In a statement, White said he was honored by the appointment and committed to rebuilding trust among players.
“It’s a duty I do not take lightly, and I’m committed to re-establishing trust and ensuring the union is serving its members best,” White said. “I look forward to working with the entire NFLPA team to protect players’ health and safety, secure their financial well-being, and further strengthen their voice to shape their futures.”
White brings decades of labor experience to the role. He previously led SAG-AFTRA during a pivotal era that included major negotiations with studios and streaming services. He now heads 3CG Ventures, an executive coaching and consulting firm that advises top leaders in the entertainment and financial sectors.
The union’s decision comes as it prepares for upcoming negotiations with the league, including continued discussions around player safety protocols, financial benefits, and post-career support.
Reeves-Maybin emphasized that the process of selecting a permanent executive director will begin soon and remain player-driven.
“This process will continue to be player-led, as the strength of our union has and will always lie with our membership,” he said.
Howell’s resignation came after internal conflicts reportedly disrupted union activities, prompting calls for a leadership reset. White’s appointment signals the NFLPA’s intent to restore unity and focus heading into a pivotal period for the organization.