Paul Tagliabue, who served as NFL commissioner for 17 years from the late 1980s until the mid-2000s, died Sunday at age 84, the league announced.
In a team-released statement, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he was “deeply saddened” by Tagliabue’s passing.
“He was a leader who made an indelible impact on the National Football League,” Kraft said. “Paul was a man of integrity and a tireless advocate for the game. During his tenure, Paul guided the league through transformative growth, expanding its reach and strengthening its foundation. His unwavering belief in the power of football to unite communities set a standard that continues to inspire us all.
“On a personal level, I was honored to work alongside Paul and to witness firsthand his wisdom, grace, and dedication. He was a trusted colleague and a cherished friend and someone who helped guide me during my pursuit of acquiring the Patriots. My thoughts are with Chan, their children, and the entire Tagliabue family during this difficult time.”
Current NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who succeeded Tagliabue in 2006, called his predecessor “the ultimate steward of the game — tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL.”
“He viewed every challenge and opportunity through the lens of what was best for the greater good, a principle he inherited from (former commissioner) Pete Rozelle and passed on to me,” Goodell said in a statement. “… I am forever grateful and proud to have Paul as my friend and mentor. I cherished the innumerable hours we spent together where he helped shape me as an executive but also as a man, husband and father.”
Tagliabue was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
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