5 facts about new NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell, who will succeed DeMaurice Smith

The NFLPA will soon have a new leader of its labor union.

On Wednesday, the organization revealed that it had elected Llloyd Howell as its new executive director. Howell will be DeMaurice Smith’s successor, who has held the leadership position since being unanimously elected in 2009. Smith will continue to hold the role until sometime near the end of 2024, and then Howell will officially take over.

This is not light news by any means. The leader of the NFL’s only labor union is a significant appointment that can and will likely have a major influence on the league’s dealings. For one, among other essential tasks, it will be Howell at the forefront of the NFLPA’s negotiations by the time the current collective bargaining agreement expires in March 2030. Aside from whoever the NFLPA president is at that time, Howell will be the players’ primary advocate.

And as we’ve seen in the past, lockouts are very possible in those situations, making Howell’s future approach hold that much more weight.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about Powell, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few things you should definitely know about the guy who will soon steer the wheel for the NFLPA.