Papa John’s founder steps down. Yep Papa John’s pizza founder John Schnatter is stepping down as the company’s CEO. It all started when he spoke out against NFL leadership for letting players kneel during the national anthem. He said “The NFL has hurt us. We are disappointed the NFL and it’s leadership for letting players kneel during the National Anthem. Those words may be the reason he is now gone even though he still owns 25% of the Franchise.