Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue Dies at 84
Paul Tagliabue, who served as NFL Commissioner from 1989 to 2006, has died at the age of 84, his family announced today.
Tagliabue passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s Disease, according to a statement from his family. He is survived by his wife, Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily. Prior to becoming commissioner, Tagliabue worked as outside counsel for the NFL for two decades with the firm of Covington & Burling.
Elected to succeed Pete Rozelle, Tagliabue oversaw a period of significant growth and change for the league, including expansion, increased television revenue, and the development of new safety protocols. His leadership helped solidify the NFL’s position as the most popular sport in the United States. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020 as a contributor, recognizing his lasting impact on professional football – you can learn more about the Hall of Fame on their official website.
Since 1960, the NFL has had only three commissioners: Rozelle, Tagliabue, and current commissioner Roger Goodell, highlighting the continuity of leadership throughout the league’s modern era. The NFL Foundation, the league’s charitable arm, supports numerous community initiatives, a legacy Tagliabue championed during his tenure.
The NFL has not yet released a formal statement, but officials have expressed condolences to the Tagliabue family.
