Former NFL Commission Paul Tagliabue, who served in his post from 1989-2006, died Sunday from heart failure. He was 84.
"Paul Tagliabue was a visionary leader whose steady hand and strategic foresight helped transform the NFL into the most popular sports league in the world," said Jets Chairman Woody Johnson. "Building on the incredible foundation laid by Pete Rozelle, Paul guided the league through an era of unprecedented growth and global reach."
Tagliabue, a Jersey City native, attended St. Michael's HS in Union City, NJ,and later played basketball at Georgetown. A captain of the 1961-62 team, Tagliabue was the president of his senior class and a Rhodes Scholar finalist. After graduating from the New York University School of Law in 1965, Tagliabue practiced law with Covington & Burling from 1969-89. Then after serving as a lawyer for the league, he succeeded Rozelle as Commissioner.
During Tagliabue's tenure, the NFL expanded from 28 to 32 teams, secured the largest television contracts in entertainment history, had labor peace, enacted the Rooney Rule to promote equality and diversity, and expanded football's international footprint with the creation of the World League of American Football (WLAF).
Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Tagliabue called off games the following weekend. NFLPA team reps had voted 17-11 to suspend games. The Jets had taken a secret-ballot vote and Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae said every player voted not to play regardless of the decision.
"As I reflected back on the attacks of Tuesday morning," Tagliabue wrote of 9/11 in his memoir "Jersey City to America's Game.". "I concluded they were beyond 'the unthinkable';' an enemy, not clearly identified in the early moments, had seized private, commercial airplanes, carrying hundreds of civilians to domestic U.S. destinations, and converted the planes into the equivalent of intercontinental ballistic missiles to kill many thousands of civilians while destroying a huge section of our nation's iconic city, and directly striking the military command center of the world's leading super power."
In 2000, Johnson became part of the NFL family when he acquired the Jets from the estate of Leon Hess. Tagliabue approved of the transfer and later helped in the negotiations for a new stadium for the Jets and the Giants that was finalized in 2005.
"When I purchased the Jets in 2000, I had the privilege of getting to know Paul personally," said Johnson. "His wisdom, integrity, and commitment to the game left a lasting impression on me and on everyone who loves football. Today, we honor his remarkable legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family."
