Latest news with #AustinEkeler
New York Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Austin Ekeler, NFLPA executive committee member, says the union remains in good hands
ASHBURN, Va. — Despite a leadership void following the controversy-ladened resignations of executive director Lloyd Howell and chief strategy officer J.C. Tretter, Austin Ekeler said the NFL Players Association leaders are telling membership that the union is in good hands and still operating with their best interests in mind, while asserting that things remain more stable than they appear. Advertisement Members of the union's executive committee and the board of player representatives continue to deliberate over the selection for an interim executive director, and there is no public timeline for filling the position. However, Ekeler, the Washington Commanders running back and member of the 11-person executive committee, said on Friday that, as players reach out to NFLPA leaders with concerns, leaders have worked to assure players that the union is not rudderless. 'We're telling guys that, Hey, we need to move urgent, but we also need to move smart right now,' Ekeler told The Athletic. 'We don't want to put ourselves in a place where we continue to set ourselves back — because we have had a setback and we need to fill those gaps — but we want to make sure we're moving smart and urgent, and this isn't something that has to be immediately done to fill these spots. We have a lot of great staff that we can trust that are in leadership roles. But understand, we're in training camp, so we're not going to get a lot done right now anyway, but when we do bring you stuff, it's going to be important.' Howell resigned after two years on the job amid a storm of criticism over his leadership and missteps including: • Reaching a confidentiality agreement with the NFL to conceal information regarding an arbitration decision involving potential collusion by owners around guaranteed contracts. • A federal investigation involving potential improprieties by leaders of the MLBPA and NFLPA relating to the OneTeam Partners group licensing firm. • Concerns about a conflict of interest because of consulting work Howell was doing for a private equity firm that was recently approved by the NFL to pursue minority ownership stakes. • Concerns over Howell's use of NFLPA money to fund two extravagant trips to strip clubs — actions for which he received reprimands. Advertisement Ekeler acknowledged that numerous players had expressed concern after learning of the calamity through media reports. And Washington Commanders player representative Tress Way said players on many teams had contacted him and his player-rep counterparts, raising similar concerns. Ekeler and Way said that, in some cases, NFLPA player leaders were learning the details of the controversies surrounding Howell at the same time as other players were. 'It's a little bit unfair to criticize them, 'Like why are we just finding out,' because some things they couldn't tell us until it came out, and in some cases, they were just learning about aspects themselves,' Way said. 'So, it's a tough deal, but we trust those guys. We take those votes for executive committee members very seriously, and I put my coins with those guys and trust that they're going to have us pointed in the right direction.' Initially, it was believed that either Tretter or chief player officer Don Davis would fill the role of interim executive director. But Tretter resigned in part due to frustrations over what he viewed as unfair criticism directed his way, he said in an interview with CBS Sports. Earlier this week, NFLPA president and former Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (currently a free agent) issued a statement saying that the union would hold an election for the interim position as soon as possible, and offered players assurances that the process was being handled with extreme care. Ekeler said on Friday that the worst thing union leaders could do is rush through the selection process, even if it is a temporary position. 'We get a lot of pressure because of headlines in the media about, the leadership is this, or this person steps out, and it almost causes a false sense of us needing to react — and we do need to react, but it doesn't need to be immediately,' Ekeler said. Advertisement He said that a careful selection process is necessary because of several pressing matters facing the NFLPA, and therefore the interim executive director. 'It's definitely a to-do list because first of all, we need to make sure we're gaining the trust and righting the ship where it is as far as the union and where we're going with the players, making sure there's trust there,' Ekeler said. 'And I'd say making sure there's trust with the (non-player NFLPA) staff and making sure the staff knows this is something we have to buy into. We have some issues that are going on with investigations, with several cases we have going on right now. And we have general operations of the union that go on. We have some people retiring, people that need to be hired in key roles. So, it's going to be an active job … the entirety of the NFLPA, which is kind of a three-headed monster — the union, OneTeam Partners and Players Inc., the three buckets we have — and I'll just stop there, because those are the details that this person is probably going to be handling in those 90 days or whatever it is that they're in that role.' Ekeler said that while it's unfortunate Howell's hiring in 2023 didn't play out as the long-term, beneficial move players envisioned, he remains proud of the work of the executive committee during that hiring process. At the time of Howell's hiring, which was determined by player election, Tretter and fellow leaders drew criticism for the way that they conducted the search, with perceived secrecy. They kept the field of candidates under wraps until presenting the top two choices to the player body for a vote with little time for membership to conduct their own research. Tretter and his team also drew criticism for excluding high-ranking NFLPA staff members from the process, which restricted the amount of input those advisors could have offered the executive committee members leading up to the selection. Ekeler still views the handling of the process favorably, but does think there are lessons to be learned for the next executive director hiring. 'What people don't understand about our 'secretive process,' as it's been called, is, the union is not an easy job,' he said. 'You need top talent, and if you're looking for top talent, they already have a job somewhere — we have to protect their name in secrecy so we can protect them at the job that they're currently at. So, I love what we did as far as our process. Maybe there is some involvement with staff that we could have a little bit more of for their impact, maybe bringing them in and broadening our hiring process, potentially. But that's not really up to me. That's up to the board on if we want to change anything on how we handle the process the next time around. 'But, for me, I think it was a good process. There were a few issues that wound up biting us that we couldn't have foreseen at the time, but I like where we're at.' (Photo of Austin Ekeler: Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy football: Commanders' Austin Ekeler named top value pick
NFL training camps are inching closer, which means that fantasy football gurus are gearing up for the start of the season. Projections will be made, and player rankings will adjust as the season draws closer, and by the time fantasy drafts are taking place, we will have an idea of what to expect from each player this fall. The best fantasy football managers understand one thing above all else: average draft position (ADP). This is the metric that Pro Football Network used to determine the top value fantasy player on every NFL team. Meaning, the player you can get later in the draft who is going to perform well for you. For the Washington Commanders, their choice is unsurprising. Washington Commanders: Austin Ekeler, RBOn the one hand, Austin Ekeler's RB53 ADP makes some sense. He's 30 years old and dealt with multiple injuries last season. He's not his team's RB1, and there's no real upside here for him to be a difference-maker. On the other hand, is Ekeler not a lock to outperform his ADP? He's nothing more than a role player at this point in his career, but receiving ability tends to age very well. Ekeler still managed to earn a 12% target share last season, 11th in the NFL. He averaged 11.0 ppg, which, while a career low excluding his rookie year, was still suitable for an RB29 finish. Who wouldn't sign for a top-30 running back from a guy being drafted outside the top 50? Fantasy managers seem to have some excitement about Jacory Croskey-Merritt. But…why? He's a seventh-round rookie — one of the last picks in the entire NFL Draft. He wasn't even invited to the NFL Combine. Brian Robinson Jr. is locked in as the RB1, and Ekeler will reprise his supporting role as a backup. Beyond that, the Washington Commanders have Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Croskey-Merritt, who is not guaranteed a spot on the team. Ekeler may not have a high ceiling, but if his price stays where it is, he should be on all of your rosters. Because he battled injuries the last two years, Ekeler will be highly underestimated in 2025. People forget how dynamic he was with the Los Angeles Chargers because he had a setback. Setbacks don't mean gone forever; it just means he had to slow down and regroup, which is what he's been doing this offseason. Advertisement Ekeler will absolutely get his touches when he's on the field this fall, and while he may not produce like Saquon Barkley, he will do enough each week to earn a weekly spot on your fantasy roster. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' Austin Ekeler named top fantasy value pick
Malaysian Reserve
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Malaysian Reserve
Ray of Hope Foundation Teams Up with NFL Star Austin Ekeler for Charity Fantasy Football Initiative Supporting Youth Mental Health
BALTIMORE, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Ray of Hope Foundation, led by Hall of Fame legend and philanthropist Ray Lewis, proudly announces an exciting new partnership with NFL star running back Austin Ekeler to launch a Charity Fantasy Football League aimed at raising critical funds and awareness for youth mental health initiatives. This unique collaboration merges the passion for football with the power of philanthropy, inviting fans, corporate partners, and communities nationwide to join a fantasy football league with purpose. Proceeds from the league will directly support the Ray of Hope Foundation's ongoing efforts to provide mental health resources, mentorship programs, and life-changing opportunities for young people across underserved communities. 'Mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing our youth today,' said Ray Lewis, Founder of the Ray of Hope Foundation. 'Partnering with a competitor and leader like Austin Ekeler—who shares our heart for the next generation—allows us to create something that's both fun and impactful. This is about more than football; it's about saving lives, building resilience, and giving hope where it's needed most.' Participants will have the chance to compete against Austin Ekeler, Ray Lewis, and other celebrity athletes in a fantasy football league filled with exclusive prizes, VIP experiences, and opportunities to directly engage with NFL talent. Most importantly, every entry will contribute to programming that champions youth mental wellness, emotional intelligence, and positive life choices. 'This is personal to me,' said Austin Ekeler. 'I know what it's like to have people believe in you and invest in your future. Through this league, we're inviting fans to join us in making a real difference for kids who need that same support.' About Ray of Hope Foundation:Founded by Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, the Ray of Hope Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of youth through educational enrichment, leadership development, and mental health initiatives. The Foundation's programs address critical social-emotional needs while fostering resilience, purpose, and hope. About Austin Ekeler:Austin Ekeler is an NFL running back known for his dynamic athleticism on the field and his unwavering commitment to giving back off the field. Through his Austin Ekeler Foundation and numerous charitable efforts, he continues to uplift youth and inspire positive change in communities nationwide. How to Join:Registration for the Ray of Hope x Austin Ekeler Charity Fantasy Football League opens soon. Visit for details. Media Contact:Dr. Debra L. Wright, Executive DirectorRay of Hope FoundationEmail: [email protected]Phone: 863-307-0925Website:
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Fantasy football: Commanders' Austin Ekeler named top value pick
NFL training camps are inching closer, which means that fantasy football gurus are gearing up for the start of the season. Projections will be made, and player rankings will adjust as the season draws closer, and by the time fantasy drafts are taking place, we will have an idea of what to expect from each player this fall. The best fantasy football managers understand one thing above all else: average draft position (ADP). This is the metric that Pro Football Network used to determine the top value fantasy player on every NFL team. Meaning, the player you can get later in the draft who is going to perform well for you. For the Washington Commanders, their choice is unsurprising. Washington Commanders: Austin Ekeler, RBOn the one hand, Austin Ekeler's RB53 ADP makes some sense. He's 30 years old and dealt with multiple injuries last season. He's not his team's RB1, and there's no real upside here for him to be a difference-maker. On the other hand, is Ekeler not a lock to outperform his ADP? He's nothing more than a role player at this point in his career, but receiving ability tends to age very well. Ekeler still managed to earn a 12% target share last season, 11th in the NFL. He averaged 11.0 ppg, which, while a career low excluding his rookie year, was still suitable for an RB29 finish. Who wouldn't sign for a top-30 running back from a guy being drafted outside the top 50? Fantasy managers seem to have some excitement about Jacory Croskey-Merritt. But…why? He's a seventh-round rookie — one of the last picks in the entire NFL Draft. He wasn't even invited to the NFL Combine. Brian Robinson Jr. is locked in as the RB1, and Ekeler will reprise his supporting role as a backup. Beyond that, the Washington Commanders have Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Croskey-Merritt, who is not guaranteed a spot on the team. Ekeler may not have a high ceiling, but if his price stays where it is, he should be on all of your rosters. Because he battled injuries the last two years, Ekeler will be highly underestimated in 2025. People forget how dynamic he was with the Los Angeles Chargers because he had a setback. Setbacks don't mean gone forever; it just means he had to slow down and regroup, which is what he's been doing this offseason. Ekeler will absolutely get his touches when he's on the field this fall, and while he may not produce like Saquon Barkley, he will do enough each week to earn a weekly spot on your fantasy roster.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders Thrilled With Work Ethic From Brian Robinson Jr.
Commanders Thrilled With Work Ethic From Brian Robinson Jr. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is entering the final year of his contract. At 26 years old, the Alabama product knows he doesn't have many opportunities left to receive a massive payday. Advertisement It's why he's going all-out to try and help Washington win in 2025. A strong season from him would not just get the Commanders back to the playoffs, but would set himself up for a potential long-term deal afterwards. The Commanders understand Robinson's current contract situation. They also know he isn't the only runner playing for his future in 2025. Veteran Austin Ekeler is well past his prime as a 30-year-old dual-threat runner. He originally signed with Washington last season because they could offer him the ability to split carries with a player like Robinson. With both backs fighting for their future - and amid trade rumors that just won't go away - Washington has been pleased with what they have seen from both players during offseason workouts. Advertisement Robinson, in particular, has caught the eye of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. "B-Rob's a guy who has played an incredibly high level," Kingsbury said. "I thought early in the year when he was really healthy, he was what we expect him to be, and the focus this offseason has been great." Washington knows they have a strong collection of running backs. The duo of Robinson and Ekeler is in some ways as solid as any in the league. Both are looking for future deals past this season, though. If Robinson can build off his strong month of May, he'll be in for a breakout season. … One that Washington has been hoping to see for years. Advertisement A new contract - somewhere - would soon follow if so. Related: Steelers Trade for Commanders' Terry McLaurin A Rumor With New Aaron Rodgers Fuel Related: Commanders Star Gets Coach in Trouble After Intense Workout This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
