SAN DIEGO, CA (607NewsNow) — 2013 Cornell grad JC Tretter, former offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, will serve as executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

An alum of Cornell’s Industrial and Labor Relations School (ILR) and Big Red football star, he played 111 games in the NFL throughout the duration of an 8-season career.

In a statement regarding his appointment, Tretter said:

“There are times in your life when you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. 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,” Tretter said. “I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and how important it is to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with player leadership. This union has always played a critical role in shaping the game, and that work is as important now as it’s ever been. The NFLPA needs leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts players first every day. That’s exactly how I plan to lead.”

Find more information about Tretter on the Cornell Alumni page here and read his full statement on the NFLPA page here.