On Sunday morning, the football world received sad news as Paul Tagliabue, the former commissioner of the NFL, passed away at the age of 84. His family disclosed that heart failure, complicated by Parkinson’s disease, was the apparent cause of his death.
Tagliabue took the reins as commissioner in 1989, s ding Pete Rozelle, and retired in 2006, leaving a legacy defined by significant growth and success for the league.
In a heartfelt statement, current NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reflected on Tagliabue’s impact: “Paul was the ultimate steward of the game – tall in stature, humble in presence, and fiercely loyal to the NFL. He viewed every challenge through the lens of the greater good, a principle he inherited from Pete Rozelle and passed down to me.” Goodell expressed his deep gratitude, highlighting the many hours Tagliabue spent mentoring him both in business and in life.
During Tagliabue’s tenure, the value of NFL franchises skyrocketed, with many teams’ worth increasing tenfold. By the time he stepped down, over two-thirds of the league’s 32 teams were either playing in or had plans for new stadiums. Tagliabue also oversaw the addition of four teams: the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995, the revived Cleveland Browns in 1999, and the Houston Texans in 2002.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. In his induction speech, Tagliabue emphasized the importance of the players, stating, “The athletes who thrive in the competitive environment of the NFL are driven individuals with clear values and exceptional aspirations. We must respect them not only for their talent but also for their roles as leaders within sports and society.”
Tagliabue’s time as commissioner was not without its challenges. He was at the helm during significant crises, including the tragic events of September 11, 2001. NFL games were promptly canceled that weekend as a mark of respect, setting a precedent that other sports leagues soon followed. Reflecting on those days, Tagliabue noted that the impact was far greater than historical comparisons like the Kennedy assassination or Pearl Harbor.
He was pivotal in ensuring that the New Orleans Saints returned home after being displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. When Tagliabue announced his retirement, he pointed out that improving relations with the NFL Players Association was among his greatest achievements. He brokered peace after previous labor strikes and introduced free agency and a salary cap that leveled the playing field for all teams.
For matters of player welfare, he introduced one of the toughest substance abuse policies in the major sports industry. Additionally, he initiated the “Rooney Rule,” requiring teams to interview minority candidates for coaching vacancies, a check his league extended over time.
When Tagliabue assumed his role in 1989, there was only one Black head coach in the NFL; by his departure, that figure had grown to seven minority coaches.
One of his major regrets was allowing the Rams and Raiders to leave Los Angeles following the 1994 season. Fortunately, the Rams made a comeback in 2016, with the Chargers following suit in 2017. He also oversaw the relocations of the Browns and Oilers during his time.
In 2017, Tagliabue expressed remorse over earlier comments regarding concussions in football, admitting he lacked reliable data at that time and calling his remarks unfortunate.
After retirement, Goodell tasked him in 2012 to review player suspensions related to the team’s “Bountygate” scandal. He ruled to overturn those penalties linked to coaches’ misconduct.
Outside the NFL, Tagliabue served as chairman of the board of directors at Georgetown University from 2009 to 2015. His journey included not only his path to commissioner but also his collegiate highlights as a standout basketball player at Georgetown.
Tagliabue is survived by his beloved wife, Chandler, along with their son, Drew, and daughter, Emily. His contributions to the NFL, his leadership, and values will be remembered for generations to come.
Report contributed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Associated Press.
