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Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue dead at 84

By Jake Jordan, WFTV.com
Obit Paul Tagliabue Football FILE - Paul Tagliabue, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class, receives his gold jacket during the gold jacket dinner in Canton, Ohio, Aug. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) (Gene J. Puskar/AP)
By Jake Jordan, WFTV.com

ORLANDO — Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner, died this morning in Chevy Chase, Maryland, at the age of 84, according to his family.

The cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Tagliabue served as NFL commissioner for 17 years, during which he oversaw significant expansion and modernization of the league. He is survived by his wife, Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed deep sorrow over Tagliabue’s death, highlighting his principled leadership and visionary guidance that drove the NFL to unparalleled success.

Tagliabue is one of four NFL commissioners or presidents inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Joe Carr, Bert Bell, and Pete Rozelle.

During his tenure, he was instrumental in expanding the league to 32 teams and fostering labor peace with players.

Paul Tagliabue’s legacy as a transformative leader in the NFL will be remembered for his contributions to the league’s growth and his commitment to its values.

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Jake Jordan

Jake Jordan, WFTV.com

Jake Jordan is a UCF Radio and Television alum on the WFTV Content Center Team. He hosts podcasts and live shows, and previously worked as a producer, reporter, and anchor on Orlando's Morning News with Scott Anez.

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