Bold truth: the NFL Players Association has once again parted ways with a senior staffer, underscoring ongoing upheaval within the union. And this is the part most people miss: leadership changes like these can ripple through policy, communications, and internal culture just as much as public disputes do.
The NFLPA confirmed on Friday, February 13, that it has terminated lead security officer Craig Jones. The organization declined to provide details, labeling the decision a personnel matter. In the weeks prior, Jones had been placed on administrative leave, a step first reported by ESPN via NBC Sports sources, amid reports that the union disagreed with his choice to speak to the media in July 2025.
That July email reportedly questioned the role of JC Tretter, a former NFLPA chief strategy officer, in the turbulence that followed the summer revelations about a secret collusion ruling. The message included pointed remarks about Tretter, sparking controversy and contributing to perceptions of internal strife within the union.
As of now, Jones is no longer listed on the NFLPA’s staff page under the security section, signaling a formal professional departure. The question remains whether Jones will pursue any legal action; meanwhile, other legal matters linger from the union’s past. Notably, Heather McPhee, a former in-house counsel, filed a lawsuit against the NFLPA and several individuals during her administrative leave, though she has since been terminated.
In short, the NFLPA’s personnel shifts continue to unfold, shaping the organization’s internal dynamics and its public facing narrative. How these changes will influence the union’s strategy, communication, and relationship with players remains a topic of ongoing debate and scrutiny.
