Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a Detroit Lions linebacker and special teams contributor, has been voted president of the NFL Players Association by the board of player representatives. Reeves-Maybin succeeds JC Tretter, a former Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns center who served two years in the position.
In a statement released by the union, Reeves-Maybin stated, “It will be my mission to continue to serve and unify our membership, and I look forward to inspiring more players to use their voices in advocating for the union and our game.”
Tretter and previous executive director DeMaurice Smith led the players’ discussions for the current collective bargaining agreement, which entered into force in 2020. The CBA brought significant changes to the league’s schedule, including a 17-game regular season, a reduced preseason, and an enlarged playoff system from 12 to 14 clubs.
Reeves-Maybin was named NFLPA president less than a year after Lloyd Howell was selected to succeed Smith as executive director. While the CBA is in force until the 2030 season, the union may try to address working conditions issues, such as the usage of artificial turf at certain NFL stadiums, despite concerns that the surfaces have led to injuries.
Reeves-Maybin signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract to continue in Detroit after being named to his first Pro Bowl and second team All-Pro.
On Friday, the union also announced the election of four new players to its executive leadership: Oren Burks, Cameron Heyward, Case Keenum, and Thomas Hennessy. They join Thomas Morstead, Calais Campbell, Michael Thomas, Ryan Kelly, Austin Ekeler, and Brandon McManus, who were all re-elected to fresh two-year terms.
