Tretter Elected NFLPA Director, Rejects Rushing 18-Game Talks

JC Tretter, a retired NFL offensive lineman and former president of the NFL Players Association, was elected executive director of the union last week, positioning him at the forefront of upcoming labor negotiations with the league. In his first public interview since taking the role, Tretter made clear that the NFLPA will not rush into discussions on expanding the regular season to 18 games, despite owners' growing interest in the change.

Tretter, who served as NFLPA president from 2020 to 2024 before becoming chief strategy officer, resigned from that position last July amid internal frustrations. He cited being restricted by legal counsel from addressing reports about the union's handling of an arbitration ruling on alleged league collusion regarding fully guaranteed contracts following quarterback Deshaun Watson's deal. Tretter described the experience as damaging to his reputation, which he had built over 15 years in the sport. After eight months away, he returned as a candidate and defeated interim executive director David White and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti at the NFLPA's annual board meeting. Tretter praised White for stabilizing the organization...