Packers center JC Tretter, center, readies to snap the ball to quarterback Joe Callahan during a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns in Green Bay, Wis., on Aug. 12, 2016. (AP file photo)

JC Tretter is the new executive director for the NFL Players Association.

The 35-year-old former center for the Packers and Browns was elected by the union’s board of player representatives on Tuesday.

Tretter previously served as NFLPA president from 2020 to 2024.

“There are times in your life when you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be,” Tretter said in a statement. “That’s where I am today. I’m grateful for the trust my fellow players have placed in me, and I’m going to reward that trust with my fullest commitment to these players and chart a new course for our union. My sole goal is to build up the strength of the NFLPA.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and how important it is to stand shoulder to shoulder with player leadership.”

Tretter’s election follows a tumultuous period for the NFLPA, which went from DeMaurice Smith to Lloyd Howell to interim executive director David White. Howell stepped down last July after a series of distractions during his short tenure.

Tretter already played an integral role as president during COVID-19 and helped negotiate key CBA amendments and launched the NFLPA’s team report cards.

Tretter is the fifth executive director in the NFLPA’s 70-year history. The union said more than 300 candidates were considered from five primary backgrounds: football, other professional sports, government, labor and executive management.

Tretter takes over at a time when the NFL is thriving and players’ salaries are skyrocketing. He’ll lead negotiations for the next collective bargaining agreement. The league’s desire to expand the regular season to 18 games will be a major point, one the union has said is not negotiable.

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