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Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner who led the league for 17 years, died on Sunday at the age of 84 due to heart failure. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease. Tagliabue served as commissioner from 1989 to 2006, succeeding Pete Rozelle, and was later succeeded by Roger Goodell. Paul Tagliabue’s Career During his tenure, Tagliabue brought labor peace, expanded television contracts, and oversaw the construction of multiple new stadiums, helping the NFL become one of the richest sports leagues in the world. However, he faced criticism for not addressing the long-term effects of concussions among players more aggressively. Paul Tagliabue’s Earnings And Net Worth As of 2025, Paul Tagliabue’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Even after his retirement, he continued to earn from the league. NBC Sports reported that he received $8.58 million in deferred compensation and retirement benefits for the fiscal year ending March 2011. According to Sports Business Journal, Tagliabue earned over $10.3 million in his final fiscal year as commissioner, an 8% increase from the previous year. His leadership brought financial success to the NFL through major media deals and strategic expansion. Roger Goodell’s Tribute Current NFL commissioner Roger Goodell paid tribute to his predecessor, calling him “the ultimate steward of the game.” “Paul was tall in stature, humble in presence, and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL,” Goodell said. “He helped shape me not only as an executive but also as a man, husband, and father.” Early Life Born on November 24, 1940, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Tagliabue excelled both academically and athletically. He captained the basketball team at Georgetown University and graduated in 1962 as one of the school’s top rebounders. He was also president of his class and a Rhodes Scholar finalist. He later earned a law degree from New York University in 1965 and worked in the US Defense Department before joining the law firm Covington & Burling. His work with the firm brought him close to NFL leadership, eventually leading to his appointment as commissioner.
