Former NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. has resigned from his part-time consulting position with the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm recently approved by the NFL to pursue minority ownership in franchises.
Howell’s side role as an operations executive in Carlyle’s aerospace and defense investment team had become a point of concern, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest given the firm’s NFL affiliations. A Carlyle spokesperson confirmed his departure but did not provide further details.
Carlyle Ties and Leadership Concerns Prompt Howell’s Sudden NFLPA Resignation After Turmoil
Howell’s relationship with Carlyle began in March 2023, three months prior to his appointment as NFLPA executive director. In August, the NFL included Carlyle on a shortlist of firms eligible to invest in up to 10% of team ownership stakes.
A senior union lawyer reportedly confronted Howell over his continued work with Carlyle, suggesting he resign to prevent ethical issues or perceived conflicts. Howell initially refused to step away from Carlyle, leading to further internal scrutiny.
Lloyd Howell (NFL)On July 18, Howell unexpectedly stepped down as head of the NFLPA, ending a turbulent two-year term. In his resignation statement, Howell acknowledged that his leadership had become a distraction to the union’s mission.
His departure came as a surprise to some members of the NFLPA’s executive committee, who had selected him after a lengthy and secretive search. Howell had previously served as CFO at Booz Allen Hamilton before taking on the NFLPA role.
Federal Investigation, Secret Deal, and Past Lawsuit Intensify Scrutiny of Howell’s Leadership
In addition to concerns about his Carlyle ties, Howell became a focus of a broader federal investigation. The FBI, alongside the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn, is examining the financial activities of both the NFLPA and MLBPA in relation to OneTeam Partners, a licensing firm.
Following the emergence of this investigation, the NFLPA retained attorney Ronald C. Machen to review Howell’s conduct as executive director, further undermining his standing within the union.
Controversy deepened when it was revealed that Howell had signed a confidentiality agreement with the NFL, concealing a key arbitration ruling from players. That decision found the league had advised owners to reduce guaranteed player compensation.
Further, ESPN reported Howell was previously sued for gender discrimination and retaliation in 2011, raising concerns about whether NFLPA voters were aware of this legal history before his election. These multiple issues ultimately culminated in his resignation.
