JC Tretter, NFLPA Chief Strategy Officer Resigns

Former Offensive Linemen and NFLPA Chief Strategist JC Tretter has resigned from his position. This comes just one day after the NFLPA President resigned.

The former Browns offensive lineman stepped down on July 20, 2025, announcing he was withdrawing from consideration for interim Executive Director and leaving the NFLPA entirely.

He cited mounting pressure at home: “Over the last couple [of] days, it has gotten very, very hard for my family, and that’s something I can’t deal with… I’ve let the executive committee know that… I’m also going to leave the NFLPA… because I don’t have anything left to give the organization.”

His resignation follows the unexpected departure of Executive Director Lloyd Howell on July 17–18 amid controversies concerning financial disclosures, confidentiality over collusion findings, and external consulting ties.

Tretter, once instrumental in hiring Howell and reshaping the union’s leadership transparency, faced backlash and criticism—some from within the union—over his involvement in those decisions.

With both Howell and Tretter now gone, the NFLPA faces a leadership void. The board of player reps will soon name an interim executive director—candidates include Don Davis, Zamir Cobb, and Ned Ehrlich.

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Bottom Line:

JC Tretter’s resignation marks the end of a high-profile, tumultuous chapter in NFLPA leadership. A steady flame kindled during his playing and presidential tenure has dimmed amid internal strife. As the union seeks stability once more, its next moves will be critical ahead of the upcoming CBA negotiations.