NFLPA

The Search

The greatest athletes on Earth seek a champion: a true leader to understand us, galvanize us, fight for us.  Are you smart enough, strategic enough; tenacious enough; inspiring enough to champion 2,500 world class athletes?

Organization: the NFLPA

The NFL Players Association (the “NFLPA” or the “PA” or the “Union”) was formed in 1956 to serve past, present and future players in the National Football League (“NFL”).  Based in Washington D.C., (which is where this Position is based), the Union’s mission is to “protect, advocate for, and empower” the players, protecting their health, rights, and fair wages. The NFLPA has six primary responsibilities:

1. Represent all NFL players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions, and protecting their rights as professional football players.
2. Negotiate and enforce the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”).
3. Administer retirement and insurance benefits for current and former players.
4. Provide member services and programs that support players’ off-field interests,
5. Support charitable and community organizations relevant to the player community.
6. Market, enhance, and defend the image of players and their profession on and off the field.

As labor unions go, the NFLPA is unique.  Membership turnover is high - players remain in the league, and thus the union, for an average of only 3.5 years. Members experience vastly different financial outcomes: some achieve lifelong security, while others do not. Players work under intense pressure and public scrutiny, and the union also manages significant commercial interests, including licensing, content, and marketing partnerships. Leading this organization is a rare and high-profile challenge.

The NFLPA is the federally certified exclusive bargaining representative for active NFL players and negotiates the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”), the contract governing every aspect of the relationship between NFL players and NFL club owners.  The current CBA, negotiated in March 2020, runs through March 2031.

The NFLPA operates under democratic principles and U.S. labor law, guided by a constitution and led by a 32-member Board of Player Representatives—one from each NFL club—elected by player members. Each team elects a Player Representative and three Alternates to serve on the Board, which meets at least annually to vote on key decisions. The Board selects the Executive Director. An 11-member Executive Committee, including the President, Treasurer, and nine Vice Presidents, exercises the Board’s authority between meetings and ensures alignment with its directives.

Exhibit A shares additional details about the NFLPA’s structure, governance, affiliates, and partners.

Position: Executive Director

Under the direction of the players elected Board of Player Reps, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and makes critical decisions governing all aspects of the NFLPA’s operations and its approximately 120 staff members.  As the highest-ranking officer, the Executive Director ensures good governance and strict compliance with federal, state, and administrative laws, labor regulations, conflict-of-interest provisions, and the highest standards of ethics and operational excellence.  

The Executive Director oversees collective bargaining negotiations with the NFL, contract administration, compliance, and enforcement. This includes guiding strategy before and during bargaining, with the next CBA set to expire in March 2031. The role also manages internal operations, staff, programs, charitable initiatives, communications, and agent regulation.

Additionally, the Executive Director directs business initiatives through NFLP Players, Inc. and OneTeam Partners, advancing marketing and licensing opportunities to serve players’ best interests. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring accessibility, engagement, and collaboration with players, staff, and stakeholders to foster inclusion, accountability, and collegiality.  

As the union’s lead spokesperson, the Executive Director must be media savvy – polished, proactive, and comfortable under intense scrutiny – driving communications strategy internally and externally to amplify the NFLPA’s message.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as chief public advocate for NFL players, the NFLPA, and Players Inc.
• Lead and direct negotiation and enforcement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Serve as principal administrator, managing day-to-day operations of the NFLPA and related entities.
• Hire, develop, and inspire staff to deliver services to active and former players, including programs under The Trust and the Professional Athletes Foundation.
• Oversee regulation of player agents (1,088 certified) and the NFLPA Financial Advisors Program (150 registered advisors).
• Chair the Board of Players Inc., advancing group licensing rights and managing commercial partnerships.
• Chair the Board of OneTeam Partners, driving initiatives to maximize player name, image, and likeness rights across licensing, marketing, and media.
• Chair the Board of Trustees for The Trust and the Board of the Professional Athletes Foundation (a 501(c)(3) supporting former players with financial, medical, and educational assistance).
• Ensure legal and financial security, long-term planning, and compliance with all applicable laws and ethical standards.
• Maintain the highest standards of operational excellence, integrity, and professional ethics.
• Serve on the AFL-CIO Executive Committee.

Exhibit A shares additional details about the NFLPA’s structure, governance, affiliates, and partners.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Adjectives: Accountable.  Devoted.  Decisive.  Driven.  Responsible.  Reliable.  Respected.  Relentless.  Trustworthy.  Transparent.  Selfless.  Self-Aware.  Smart.  Strategic.  Tenacious.  Persistent.  Presence.  Gravitas.  Charisma.  Grinder.  Works as hard as we do.

Relatable: Be able to relate to a union full of “alphas.”  And vice versa, i.e., have the players relate to you, trust you, follow you.  A leader who is, on the one hand, approachable and humble, and then on the other hand, is strong enough and confident enough to tell the inconvenient truths to locker-rooms full of champions.   A leader who can call the plays and build followership, solidarity, and passion for those plays.

Trusted Advocate:  Being a former NFL player (or an athlete at any level) is a plus, NOT a job requirement.  That said, being able to understand, appreciate, respect, and relate to what life is like as an NFL player, to walk in our shoes, IS a job requirement.  We seek a special leader with “it” factor.  While our members play offense, defense and special teams, the ideal candidate must play offense.  The ideal candidate has successfully quarterbacked complex disputes and has a history of clear success worthy of the Hall of Fame.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with proven experience working closely with a Board and engaging a broad range of stakeholders. This individual must build deep trust and strong relationships with the 11-member Executive Committee, the 32-member Board, and more than 2,500 members, as well as business and media partners. Exceptional people skills and communication abilities are essential, along with a demonstrated record of building consensus and inspiring followership across diverse constituencies.

This role demands a dispute-tested executive - someone who has successfully navigated complex, high-stakes negotiations and resolved conflicts under pressure. For the NFLPA, that means maintaining internal solidarity while managing external communications to shape public opinion. Experience in lengthy, intricate negotiations, preferably collective bargaining, is required. While legal expertise is a plus, it is not mandatory.

The ideal candidate brings a clear, forward-thinking vision for the union’s future and the ability to translate that vision into actionable strategies. This includes:

• Leading negotiations (as the union’s Chief Negotiator) to secure favorable labor outcomes through strategic use of data, relationships, and leverage.
• Anticipating challenges and adapting quickly to overcome setbacks.
• Building the technology and analytics infrastructure needed for data-driven decision-making.
• Fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and acquisition of top talent.
• Controlling messaging across media platforms, staying ahead of the news cycle, and ensuring clarity and transparency in all communications.

Above all, the Executive Director must put players first. This position is not about personal recognition - it is about serving the membership with integrity and unwavering commitment. The ideal candidate:

• Earns trust through transparency, engages directly with players in locker rooms, and consistently advocates for their interests.
• Galvanizes players around the union’s mission.
• Fosters unity between current and former players.
• Models a positive organizational culture grounded in trust and collaboration.
• Seamlessly transitions from conversations with players to boardrooms with NFL owners and Fortune 100 CEOs.

Finally, the ideal candidate must exemplify integrity and the highest ethical standards. In football, we play by the rules—and this leader must know the rules, follow them, and operate confidently up to the line without crossing it. The ideal candidate:

• Demonstrates transparency, courage in delivering hard truths, and adaptability in the face of ambiguity, while maintaining humility and self-awareness.
• Is a principled, visionary leader who can inspire confidence, navigate complexity, and drive the NFLPA forward with purpose.

EXHIBIT A

1. The Union (NFLPA)
2. The Business (NFL Players, Inc.)
3. Affiliates & Partners
   
   • The Trust
   • Professional Athletes Foundation
   • OneTeam Partners

The NFLPA is separated into two distinct but collaborative entities – NFLPA (Union) and NFL Players, Inc., a for-profit subsidiary of the NFLPA – both led by the Executive Director.  Additionally, The Trust is powered by the NFLPA and the NFLPA Executive Director serves as the Chairperson of the Board, pursuant to the Trust foundational documents.  

About the NFL Players Association  

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 active player members, who are the backbone of North America's most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide range of programs, resources, and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.

About NFL Players Inc.  

NFL Players Inc. is the for-profit marketing and licensing arm of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the union that represents professional football players in the NFL. Founded in 1994, NFL Players Inc. manages the group rights of more than 2,000 active players, connecting brands to the authenticity, reach and cultural influence of NFL athletes. It supports over 150 partners -- including licensees, sponsors, and media platforms -- across e-commerce, retail, digital and direct-to-consumer channels. NFL Players Inc. drives growth and generates player revenue through group licensing, player activations and brand collaborations that bring fans closer to the game. Backed by the strength and legacy of the NFLPA, which has protected the health, safety, and financial futures of its members since 1956, NFL Players Inc. ensures players remain at the center of the football business. Learn more at nflpa.com/players.

About The Trust (Powered by the NFLPA)

The Trust (Powered by the NFLPA) offers eligible former players a comprehensive support system in key areas such as career development, educational advancement, health and wellness resources, financial education, and community connection opportunities. The Trust was established by the commitment of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and its members to ensure that players can access the benefits and services they need to succeed beyond the game of football. It represents the hard-fought efforts of past and present collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations to better serve former NFL players. For more information, e-mail info@playerstrust.com or visit www.playerstrust.com. 

The Union (NFLPA)

• Executive: The Executive Department leads the NFL Players Association’s operations, directs negotiations with the National Football League, and leads implementation of innovative programs geared toward enriching the lives of all members of the NFLPA, including current, former, and future players.
• Legal: The Legal Department protects, defends, and enforces the rights of NFL players, the NFLPA and its subsidiaries. In addition to filing grievances to enforce provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and NFL Player Contracts, the Legal Department assists the Executive Department with collective bargaining and oversees all legal matters involving the NFLPA.
• Salary Cap: The Salary Cap Department assists certified Contract Advisors and players with contract research and negotiation. Beyond collecting all salary information and player transactions into a centralized database, it tracks each club’s cash and salary cap spending.
• Agent Administration: This Department administers agent certification and tracks all representation agreements between players and certified Contract Advisors.
• External Affairs: The External Affairs Department comprises strategic communications and public policy / government affairs. It promotes and protects the players’ and the union’s integrity and image through fair and accurate coverage in the media and strategic content on digital and social media. In addition, they promote the player membership on programs and initiatives available through their union while ensuring that internal and external messages are clear and consistent.
• Player Affairs: The Player Affairs Department ensures players are educated about their rights and benefits under the CBA, and that they are aware of and utilize union resources and services available to them. The Department also runs a Pipeline to the Pros program which educates college players about life once they enter the NFL.  They work closely with the Player Representatives to advance CBA and union initiatives. The Department also assists players in the Program for Substances of Abuse. This department also administers the NFLPA’s Financial Advisors Registration Program which provides NFL players with access to a list of financial advisors who are deemed qualified by the NFLPA. The program is designed to provide an extra layer of protection to athletes against fraud and poor advice. Advisors must meet minimum professional specifications and go through a full background check before being added to the list.  
• Former Player Services: The Former Player Services Department strives to build a fraternity of former NFL players and facilitate personal growth beyond football, while providing an active voice for former players of all ages. In addition to providing tools, resources, and opportunities to support a successful transition from the game, the department also focuses on cultivating compassion, respect, and dignity within its membership. The Former Players Department seeks to inspire players to feel connected to one another, their community and to the NFLPA when their football careers end. There are currently over 15,500 former player members of the NFLPA.
• Finance and Asset Management: The Finance and Asset Management Department is responsible for the monthly and annual production of accurate and timely financial results for the NFLPA and all subsidiaries and affiliate entities and the management of the organizations’ cash and invested assets, including insurance needs. In addition to assuming responsibility for all tax and other government agencies compliance, the Finance and Asset Management Department is responsible for collecting dues, licensing royalties and other revenues as well as distributing payments to players.
• Benefits: The Benefits Department represents players by jointly administering benefits earned under the Collective Bargaining Agreement in conjunction with the NFL Management Council. In addition to negotiating with the Management Council, insurance companies, and others on behalf of NFL players, the Benefits Department provides players with comprehensive knowledge of their benefits, empowering them to make informed life decisions.
• Information Systems: The Information Systems Department oversees an innovative, technologically advanced system that enables the staff to serve the players. They also manage systems which track data and reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Security and Operations: The Security and Operations Department directs and coordinates programs which protect all company assets, employees, active players, former players, and guests. Security and Operations maximize process efficiencies, provide superior services to players and staff, and cover all security, travel services, and business operations for every department within the NFLPA, NFL Players Inc. and The Trust.
• Events and Travel: The Events and Travel department assists in planning and executing all player, partner, and other stakeholder events. The overall experience by the attendees is the most critical factor when determining the success of the event or series of events. Additionally, this department helps to negotiate all travel partnerships and benefits, shape the NFLPA travel policy and track NFLPA-related player travel as well as staff travel and accommodations.
• Department of Operational and Professional Excellence: Affectionately known as DOPE, this department oversees the daily personnel functions of the NFL Players Association, NFL Players, Inc., and The Trust.  The department serves as a strategic partner working closely with all divisions to attract, develop, retain, and engage a highly skilled and diverse workforce. The central focus of DOPE is to develop long-term initiatives geared toward the professional development, management, and wellbeing of all our employees.

The Business (NFL Players, Inc.)

NFL Players Inc., the NFLPA’s for-profit group licensing business, is one of the largest and most influential licensors in the world, representing the exclusive group licensing rights of more than 2,000 active NFL players for licensing, marketing, and promotional opportunities.

Through the Group Licensing Assignment (GLA), NFL Players Inc. is tasked with maximizing the commercial rights of all current NFL players. To do so, NFL Players Inc. operates as a B2B company that connects brands to the power and influence of players through group player rights and demonstrates the unifying power of sports and athletes.

• Consumer Products & Strategy: Consumer Products & Strategy oversees the NFLPA’s licensing partnerships and strategic relationships with Fanatics and OneTeam Partners. The department is responsible for driving the global growth of apparel, hardlines, trading cards, games, and digital business. Vertical account teams provide day-to-day management, ensuring a clear understanding of group rights and a focus on maximizing annual revenue and increasing player marketing opportunities. The department also offers marketing and promotional consultation to assist brands with creating effective activation campaigns featuring NFL players, designed to deliver results-driven outcomes.  
• Partner Services: The Partner Services Department is dedicated to servicing companies with official sponsorships, working closely with all the NFLPA’s partners to help them maximize their usage of group player rights. Partner Services works collaboratively on the overall planning and integration of NFL players leveraged within its sponsors’ annual NFL player-integrated promotional campaigns to maximize and exceed the player fund. Account teams provide NFL sponsors and clubs with strategic direction and resources to help implement their overall campaigns using NFL players and related properties. In addition to delivering group player rights, Partner Services oversees creative executions using the identities of NFL players and develops programs with partners that deliver value to players.  
• Player Services: The Player Services Department serves as a primary resource for former and active players by helping to identify and maximize off-the-field marketing, endorsement and revenue opportunities which leverage their personalities, interests, and business pursuits. Player Services provides high-impact customer service operations across all stakeholder groups, including player membership, NFLPA partners, the agent/marketing rep community and internal business units.
• Marketing and Business Development: Marketing & Business Development teams align to drive opportunities for business growth, leveraging NFLPA group player rights.
  
  • The Marketing Department amplifies the NFLPA brand and promotes NFL players to NFLPA partners and prospects with a focus on enhancing engagement and bringing awareness of the NFLPA by leveraging multiple platforms including content, media, programs, and events.
  • The Business Development team identifies, evaluates, and executes high-quality and innovative new business opportunities to grow revenue with a focus on core licensed product categories, human performance, and innovative growth verticals. The Business Development team also explores venture opportunities, where investment in the NFLPA’s rights enhances and accelerates relevant early-stage businesses in exchange for equity.

Affiliates and Partners

The NFLPA has a number of affiliates and partners, including:

• The Trust: The Trust was formed by the NFLPA in 2013 after the NFLPA negotiated a provision in the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement (Article 12, Section 5) that guaranteed certain funding per year to support benefits for former players. This provision was renegotiated in the 2020 CBA, and it is from such monies that The Trust’s programs and services are funded. Through nationwide partnerships, the Trust provides access to career, medical, financial education, nutrition, entrepreneurial, and continuing education services. It is committed to a player’s well-being and creates customized game plans to meet each former player where he is in his transition from football.
• Professional Athletes Foundation: The Professional Athletes Foundation was founded to support, strengthen, and inspire players as they transitioned from their active NFL careers. Established in 1990 as the charitable arm of the NFL Players Association, the PAF offers a range of wellness resources as well as financial assistance through the Gene Upshaw PAT Grant. With more than $10 million in financial, medical, and educational assistance granted, the PAF is the leading foundation in assisting former NFL players.
• OneTeam Partners: The NFLPA is a founding partner of OneTeam Partners (OTP), formed in 2019. OTP helps athletes maximize the value of their name, image, and likeness rights. OTP specializes in group licensing, marketing, media, and investing. Through partnerships with Players Associations, OTP’s mission is to transform the way all athletes participate in business by putting them squarely at the center of the commercial ecosystem.