Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has died, his family announced on Sunday morning. He was 84 years old.
Tagliabue served as the league’s fifth commissioner from November 1989 through September 2006, succeeding Pete Rozelle and preceding Roger Goodell. He notably oversaw the league’s expansion from 28 to 32 teams, as well as an effort to keep the Saints in New Orleans following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue died this morning in Chevy Chase, MD., his family announced. He was 84.
The apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease. Survivors include his wife Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily. pic.twitter.com/q9tuQsAyrs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2025
Tagliabue was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its Centennial Class of 2020. He was formally enshrined in August 2021 and is one of four NFL commissioners/presidents to be inducted, along with Joe Carr, Bert Bell, and Rozelle.
His apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson's disease, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Tagliabue is survived by his wife, Chandler, his son Drew, and his daughter Emily.
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