Paul Tagliabue, who served as NFL commissioner for 17 years, passed away at the age of 84 due to heart failure. His family confirmed the news of his death in Chevy Chase, Maryland to the NFL. Tagliabue succeeded Pete Rozelle as commissioner in 1989 and held the position until 2006 when Roger Goodell took over. He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of a special centennial class.

Roger Goodell, the current NFL Commissioner, praised Tagliabue as a dedicated steward of the game, emphasizing his influence in shaping Goodell as an executive and as an individual. Tagliabue’s passing was announced just before seven NFL games commenced on Sunday, with teams observing a moment of silence in his honor.

During Tagliabue’s tenure, the NFL saw the construction of numerous new stadiums and lucrative television deals that significantly boosted the league’s financial standing. He also played a key role in establishing the “Rooney Rule,” mandating that teams consider minority candidates for coaching vacancies, a policy that later expanded to include executive positions.

While Tagliabue faced criticism for his handling of concussions in football, he later apologized for his past remarks on the issue. Despite this, his notable achievements in labor relations within the NFL were widely recognized. Tagliabue’s collaborative approach with the players’ union, led by Gene Upshaw, helped foster respectful negotiations and beneficial outcomes for both parties.

Tagliabue’s legacy in the NFL includes his pivotal decision to cancel games following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and his instrumental role in leading the league through labor negotiations, ultimately guiding it to a period of significant growth and expansion. He is survived by his wife Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily.