2 weeks ago
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Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has died at the age of 84, his family have announced.
Tagliabue reportedly died on Sunday morning in Chevy Chase, Maryland as a result of heart failure complicated by Parkinson's disease. He leaves behind wife Chandler, son Drew and daughter Emily.
Tagliabue served as NFL commissioner between 1989 and 2006, when current incumbent Roger Goodell took over.
During Tagliabue's 17-year stint as commissioner, the NFL experienced labor peace, saw skyrocketing television deals, construction of new stadiums across the nation, and expansion to the current 32-team makeup.
He also maneuvered the league through such crises and events as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina's devastation of New Orleans.
Despite those credentials that continued pro football's surge to the top of American sports, it took until a special centennial class in 2020 for Tagliabue to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after retiring in 2006.
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has died at the age of 84, his family have announced
Tagliabue oversaw a myriad of new stadiums and negotiated television contracts that added billions of dollars to the league´s bank account.
Under him, there were no labor stoppages and a very workable environment with the NFL Players Association - an atmosphere that no longer exists.
Among his major achievements was implementing a policy on substance abuse that was considered the strongest in all major sports.
He also established the 'Rooney Rule' in which all teams with coaching vacancies must interview minority candidates.
It has since been expanded to include front-office and league executive positions, and although the rule is named for the late Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it could easily have carried Tagliabue´s ID.
More to follow.
