Even if Tretter hadn’t been named the interim executive director, his presence could have helped other potential candidates right the ship, including (for instance) NFL Players Inc. president Matt Curtin. (There’s talk that, following Tretter’s resignation, Curtin withdrew his name from consideration.)

The race to be the next executive director of the NFL Players Association is down to two men, according to The Athletic. Either NFLPA chief strategy officer J.C. Tretter or chief player officer Don Davis are expected to lead the union following a tumultuous week that saw Lloyd Howell abruptly resign.