Roger Goodell took over as the commissioner of the NFL in 2006 when he became the sixth man to hold the position. As he sets out to bring in more talent in the league at the 2025 NFL Draft, let’s examine his football career and his journey to becoming the NFL Commissioner.
Did Roger Goodell Play in the NFL?
No, Goodell didn’t play in the NFL. In fact, he didn’t play football during his time in college at Washington & Jefferson College either.
However, Goodell was a three-sport star in football, basketball, and baseball at Bronxville High School. As a senior, he captained all three of the school’s teams and was named the school’s athlete of the year before injuries kept him from playing in college.
Goodell earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1981 and soon after started his NFL career as an intern with the league.
Goodell’s Rise From An Intern to NFL Commissioner
Roger Goodell’s NFL career began in 1982 when he landed an administrative intern position at the league’s New York office after sending letters to all 28 teams and the league headquarters. He briefly left in 1983 to work for the New York Jets but returned the following year to join the NFL’s public relations department.
Goodell held that role until 1987, when he was appointed assistant to Lamar Hunt, then president of the American Football Conference. In 1990, he began working closely with then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue across various league operations, contributing to both the business and football sides of the NFL.
Goodell’s Promotion to Chief Operating Officer
In December 2001, Goodell’s role in the NFL became far more wide-reaching as the COO. His responsibilities included the league’s officiating and football operations. However, he also headed NFL Ventures, which oversaw several areas of league business, including strategic planning and stadium development.
He was also heavily involved in areas such as international development, as well as negotiations for the NFL television agreements and Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFLPA. Goodell was also involved in the launch of the NFL Network in 2003.
Roger Goodell Selected as NFL Commissioner in 2006
After Paul Tagliabue’s retirement, Roger Goodell emerged as one of four finalists in the search for the NFL’s sixth commissioner. In a closely contested vote, Goodell was selected over Gregg Levy—who had served as the league’s outside counsel—after five rounds of balloting.
He was officially named NFL commissioner on August 8, 2006, and assumed the role on September 1.
Goodell’s tenure has been marked by several significant developments, including the launch of the NFL International Series in 2007 and the implementation of stricter player conduct policies. One of the key phrases often used has been “protecting the shield,” as the league’s integrity has been seen as a key component of his tenure.
The 66-year-old, however, earns a hefty salary. He is under contract through 2027 and reportedly earned $63.9 million annually for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. That’s more than what the highest-paid NFL player in the league, Dak Prescott, is earning annually in 2025 ($60 million).
