The NFL Players Association’s internal chaos exploded into public view on July 13 when J.J. Watt called out what he saw as contradictory messaging. The former Houston Texans superstar wasn’t having any of the union’s carefully crafted spin, and his blunt response cut straight through the political doublespeak that’s become the NFLPA’s trademark.
Why Did J.J. Watt Call Out the NFLPA’s Mixed Messages?
On X, Watt posted a four-word reaction to the NFLPA executive committee’s lengthy memo defending executive director Lloyd Howell: “Those are contradicting statements…”
“We categorically reject false reports insinuating doubts.”
“We have established a deliberate process to carefully assess the issues that have been raised and will not engage in a rush to judgement.”
Those are contradicting statements… https://t.co/VwW8t92lLw
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 13, 2025
The Hall of Fame-bound pass rusher zeroed in on two sentences within the letter that pulled in opposite directions. The first line claimed no doubts or internal disputes: “We categorically reject false reports insinuating doubts.”
Meanwhile, another sentence described an ongoing process to “carefully assess” the concerns raised: “We have established a deliberate process to carefully assess the issues that have been raised and will not engage in a rush to judgement.”
Watt’s observation highlighted the logical problem. You can’t simultaneously reject reports of internal problems while also announcing you’re investigating those same problems. His comment adds to the mounting public scrutiny of Howell, who now finds himself the face of a union fighting off media criticism and internal backlash simultaneously.
How Is the Union Defending Lloyd Howell Despite the Controversy?
The NFLPA executive committee issued a full-throated defense of Howell in a memo to players, which was later leaked to several reporters. The statement insisted that “false reports” about Howell being asked to step down were off base and that the committee remained unified behind him.
However, those so-called “false reports” have been difficult to pin down. When asked for comment, Cam Heyward, a member of the committee, called the situation “dicey.” That remains the only on-record remark suggesting any level of internal concern.
Behind the scenes, players and agents have voiced frustration over Howell’s handling of two key issues. The first involves his ongoing consulting role with private-equity giant Carlyle Group, a firm with league ties. The second centers on the union’s decision to keep quiet about a potentially explosive collusion ruling that could have given players more leverage during free agency.
The arbitrator did not find sufficient evidence of collusion by the league but noted that Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league’s general counsel had encouraged owners to limit guaranteed money in contracts.
What Does This Crisis Mean for Player Unity?
The union’s current strategy appears to be deflection, calling out “false reports” and circling the wagons around Howell. But as Watt’s post demonstrates, not every former player is willing to follow the official messaging.
That’s where the real danger lies for the NFLPA. Players may start tuning out entirely if the union continues to dismiss criticism without offering transparency or accountability. As the league knows all too well, that silence often becomes the easiest tool to control.
For now, leadership’s message remains clear: they firmly support Howell. However, Watt’s four-word post suggests that not everyone outside the current power structure agrees with how the union handles this mess. The question becomes whether more players will speak up or simply check out of union politics altogether.
