The NFL Players Association is preparing to vote on a new executive director as the union seeks leadership following the departure of former executive director Lloyd Howell.

The 32-member board will choose from three finalists: David White, JC Tretter, and Tim Pernetti. The selection comes at what sources describe as a critical juncture for the players' union.

Tretter previously served as president of the NFLPA and was a center in the NFL for eight seasons. White and Pernetti bring backgrounds from outside professional football to the consideration process.

The timing of the leadership transition adds significance to the decision, as the union faces various ongoing challenges in representing NFL players' interests. The new executive director will be responsible for guiding the organization's strategic direction and advocacy efforts.

The vote represents the culmination of a search process to fill the top leadership position at one of professional sports' most prominent player unions. No timeline has been announced for when the board will make its final decision.