JC Tretter ’13 Elected Executive Director of NFL Players Association

The NFL Players Association Board of Player Representatives has elected JC Tretter ’13 as the union’s next executive director following a comprehensive, player-driven search process.

“There are times in your life when you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. That’s where I am today,” Tretter said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the trust my fellow players have placed in me, and I’m going to reward that trust with my fullest commitment to these players and chart a new course for our union. My sole goal is to build up the strength of the NFLPA. 

“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and how important it is to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with player leadership. This union has always played a critical role in shaping the game, and that work is as important now as it’s ever been. The NFLPA needs leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts players first every day. That’s exactly how I plan to lead.”

Tretter brings a rare combination of on-field experience and labor leadership, having been chosen by his fellow players to serve as NFLPA president from 2020 to 2024 after a nine-year NFL career. He helped support and protect players through the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiated key CBA amendments, and launched the NFLPA’s Team Report Cards - raising transparency, accountability, and standards league-wide to benefit all players. 

“On behalf of the Board of Player Representatives, we are proud to welcome JC Tretter as our new executive director and confident in the leadership that he will bring to our union,” said the NFLPA in a statement. “We conducted a thorough, deliberate search to identify the right long-term leader to deliver sustained, meaningful progress for our members. JC earned the trust of our Board and demonstrated a clear commitment to serving this membership. We’re excited about what’s ahead.”

As the NFLPA’s fifth executive director, Tretter will report to the Board of Player Representatives and serve the union’s full membership.

A 10-year NFL veteran who played for the Green Bay Packers and the Cleveland Browns, Tretter served two terms as president of the NFLPA after spending two years as the Browns’ NFLPA representative. 

Portions of this story courtesy of Brandon Parker, director of media and community relations of NFLPA.