Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue died in Chevy Chase, Maryland, his family announced Sunday morning.
He was 84 years old at the time of passing. The apparent cause of death for Tagliabue was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease.
A former lawyer before his time in NFL, Tagliabue replaced Pete Rozelle as commissioner in 1989, holding the position until Sept. 1 2006, when Roger Goodell was named his successor.
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 is one of four NFL commissioners/presidents in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, alongside Joe Carr, Bert Bell and Rozelle.
Here is more to know about the passing of Tagliabue.
NFL mourns death of Paul Tagliabue
Tough news this AM former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue died this
Morning in his Chevy Chase, Maryland home. He was 84. Apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s Disease. He leaves behind wife Chandler, son Drew and daughter Emily.
RIP Commissioner…
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 9, 2025
Pete Rozelle made the NFL a national institution as Commissioner.....
Tagliabue replaced him and gave something that Rozelle couldn't do.....Labor Peace......Tagliabue & Gene Upshaw's relationship helped make the NFL work stoppage free
RIP Paul Tagliabue https://t.co/YQrJxLaInk
— Kris Zellner (@KrisZellner) November 9, 2025