NFLPA Leaders Publicly Defend Tretter Pick Despite Past Scrutiny

Newly elected NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter has been getting some critical public support from the union’s player leadership, as questions linger about the controversy surrounding the former offensive lineman since his resignation from the NFL last summer.

“Bright future for our union! One of our own leading the way,” Bears backup quarterback Case Keenum posted on social media. Keenum, who played with Tretter on the Browns from 2020–21, has been a VP of the NFLPA’s executive committee since 2024. Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, a newly elected executive committee VP, wrote that he “can’t wait to get to work” with Tretter. “Real change is coming.”

Several of the 32 player representatives—one from each club—who were responsible for electing Tretter have also taken to social media to praise the decision.

Panthers center Austin Corbett, who played with Tretter in Cleveland from 2018–19, wrote: “Couldn’t be more proud of the board for making this decision!” Giants kicker Graham Gano wrote he is “excited about the future” of the NFLPA.

Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman, the team’s first co-alternate player representative, wrote: “We are honored and excited to have great representation in our union.” Ryan Kelly, who retired recently and played center for the Colts and Vikings, posted: “Unity, strength and change! Couldn’t be happier to having JC leading the union.”

Free agent running back Austin Ekeler, who has played nine seasons in the NFL, including the last two with the Commanders, posted: “This man has been the spark of invitation and progress for our union. I’m hype to have him at the helm, in the Executive Director position.”

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel wrote that Tretter “checks every box: smart, respected, and understands the business. Huge move for the NFLPA.”

Doubts Follow Promotion

It’s been less than eight months since Tretter resigned from his position as NFLPA chief strategy officer following former executive director Lloyd Howell’s resignation. In July, Tretter, who was previously president of the NFLPA from 2020 to 2024, said he had no interest in pursuing the interim or permanent executive director position.

“The same guy that had no interest in being the Executive Director in July of 2025! Yea congratulations @NFL yall will get everything yall want in the new CBA,” former All-Pro NFL defensive end James Harrison posted on social media.

Last summer, Tretter and Howell were implicated in a 61-page arbitration decision on the NFLPA’s collusion grievance against NFL owners that was unearthed by journalists Pablo Torre and Mike Florio, who have continued to report on the situation ever since.

This week, Torre had recently-fired NFLPA lead security officer Craig Jones on his podcast to go behind the scenes of Tretter and Howell’s leading the NFLPA. Florio on Tuesday said, “The first question’s got to be, what changed between July and now?”