NFLPA Leadership Restructuring Leaves Players Waiting
OXNARD, Calif. — The sudden restructuring of leadership atop the NFLPA saw another change Sunday, leaving players, including ones on the Dallas Cowboys, waiting to see what’s next.
J.C. Tretter, a former NFL offensive lineman, stepped down from his position as the union’s chief strategy officer. He also withdrew from consideration to be the interim executive director after the resignation of former director Lloyd Howell.
Background on the Situation
Tretter was reportedly one of two major candidates to replace Howell, who drew immense scrutiny prior to his resignation this weekend. ESPN, in a series of stories, reported multiple allegations against Howell, including him being in a consulting role with a private equity firm that holds league approval to seek minority ownership in NFL franchises, and his alleged involvement in an agreement between the NFLPA and NFL to keep quiet about possible collusion by owners over quarterback salaries.
The Athletic reported Tretter and Don Davis, the NFLPA’s Chief Player Officer, were the two favorites to replace Howell. Tretter received blowback from former players about his potential involvement in what happened with the NFLPA.
Impact on the Dallas Cowboys
Tretter told CBS Sports on Sunday that the attention on him had become hard on his family and that’s something he couldn’t deal with anymore.
“I have no interest in being [executive director],” Tretter told CBS Sports. “I have no interest in being considered; I’ve let the executive committee know that. I’m also going to leave the NFLPA in the coming days because I don’t have anything left to give the organization.”
Cowboys
Player Representatives Weigh In
Player reps from each of the teams have reportedly met since Howell’s resignation to discuss a potential replacement.
Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, a player rep for the team, said he’s been aware of all the changes and happenings with NFLPA leadership, though he didn’t want to discuss specifics more.
Related: Who is Osa Odighizuwa? What to know about Cowboys DT who overcame complicated upbringing
What the Changes Mean for Players
Odighizuwa was asked about what the changes can do for not only player representatives, but also the rest of the players in the league.
“It’s interesting, but I wouldn’t say it’s hard,” Odighizuwa said. “Compartmentalization is the name of the game. Been doing it for a little while, so I just address it as it comes. We’ve got to focus on what we’ve got to focus on and cross that bridge when we get there.”
Conclusion
The sudden restructuring of leadership atop the NFLPA has left players, including those on the Dallas Cowboys, waiting to see what’s next. With Tretter stepping down and withdrawing from consideration, the search for a new executive director continues. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
FAQs
Q: Who stepped down from the NFLPA leadership?
A: J.C. Tretter, the former NFL offensive lineman, stepped down from his position as the union’s chief strategy officer and withdrew from consideration to be the interim executive director.
Q: Why did Tretter step down?
A: Tretter told CBS Sports that the attention on him had become hard on his family and that’s something he couldn’t deal with anymore.
Q: What does this mean for the Dallas Cowboys?
A: The changes in NFLPA leadership may have an impact on the team, but player representatives like Osa Odighizuwa are focused on moving forward and addressing the changes as they come.
Q: Who is Osa Odighizuwa?
A: Osa Odighizuwa is a defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys and a player representative for the team. He overcame a complicated upbringing and is now a key figure in the team’s leadership.
