Source - NFLPA head also works for firm approved to invest in NFL - ESPN

NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. is working as a paid, part-time consultant for The Carlyle Group, one of a select group of league-approved private equity firms now seeking minority ownership in NFL franchises, sources told ESPN.

Howell joined the firm in March 2023, three months before the NFLPA hired him to be the players' chief representative in relations with the league.

Last August, the NFL named three private equity firms and a consortium of firms, including Carlyle, to a list of approved funds that can invest in minority franchise stakes not to exceed 10%.

A month later, a senior union lawyer spoke with Howell about whether it was appropriate for him to continue working as an operations manager in The Carlyle Group's aerospace and defense investment team, sources told ESPN.

The union lawyer asked Howell to consider resigning from the private equity firm to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest if the firm takes an ownership stake in an NFL franchise, a source with knowledge of the situation said. Howell declined to step away from Carlyle, the source said.

Howell could not be reached by ESPN and declined to comment through a union spokesperson, who also declined to comment for this story.

However, a source familiar with the matter told ESPN that Howell recalls only that concerns were raised by «a union employee,» and he said he would «do his due diligence» before making a decision.

Ten months later, Howell continues to work as a part-time consultant for The Carlyle Group, which is actively exploring investments in NFL franchises but has not yet made one.

A Carlyle Group spokesperson said Howell had disclosed his work at the NFLPA to the firm. But she said Howell has had no