Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner, has died in Maryland, with his successor Roger Goodell leading tributes to one of the most influential figures in the history of the league
13:23 ET, 09 Nov 2025Updated 13:23 ET, 09 Nov 2025
Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner, has died aged 84
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Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner, has died aged 84(Image: Rich Graessle/PPI/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, the predecessor to current boss Roger Goodell, has died aged 84 in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Tagliabue was commissioner from 1989 to 2006 after succeeding Pete Rozelle. He was widely praised for his handling of national tragedy in 2001 when he decided to cancel games in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Tagliabue died from heart failure having developed Parkinson's Disease in recent years. He is survived by his wife Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily.
Tributes poured in for Tagliabue, with fans quick to recall his handling of events in September 2001. One fan wrote: "I still remember how he gracefully handled immediately post-9/11. RIP," while another similarly added: "Paul Tagliabue will always be remembered fondly for his decision to not play the weekend after 9/11. RIP".
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Tagliabue was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of a special centennial class in 2020. He faced some criticism for his lack of action on concussions, but also introduced the "Rooney Rule" as well as introducing a new substance abuse policy.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement: “All of us in the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Tagliabue, whose principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success.
"Throughout his decades-long leadership on behalf of the NFL, first as outside counsel and then during a powerful 17-year tenure as commissioner, Paul served with integrity, passion and an unwavering conviction to do what was best for the league. Paul was the ultimate steward of the game—tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL.
Tagliabue is survived by his wife, Chandler
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Tagliabue is survived by his wife, Chandler(Image: Rich Graessle/PPI/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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"He viewed every challenge and opportunity through the lens of what was best for the greater good, a principle he inherited from Pete Rozelle and passed on to me. During his Hall of Fame NFL career, Paul fostered labor peace with our players, oversaw the expansion of the league to 32 teams, ushered in an era of state-of-the-art stadiums and laid the important groundwork of establishing the league as a global brand.
"He helped modernize the structure of the league office and its business operations, providing the playbook for the NFL’s strategic embrace of his era’s emerging technologies including cable, satellite and the internet. Paul was a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion and guided the league through the challenges of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
"I am forever grateful and proud to have Paul as my friend and mentor. I cherished the innumerable hours we spent together where he helped shape me as an executive but also as a man, husband and father. Jane and I extend our heartfelt condolences to entire Tagliabue family, especially Chan, his wife of 60 years, and their children Drew and Emily."