The former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue , who contributed to the league's growth and development into a dominant force in sports, has passed away. He was eighty-four. From 1989 until 2006, Tagliabue, a former attorney, led the NFL. His family released a statement announcing his passing on Sunday morning at his Chevy Chase, Maryland, home.
According to reports, Parkinson's disease-complicated heart failure was his cause of death. According to NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy, Tagliabue's family notified the league of his passing in Chevy Chase, Maryland. His daughter Emily, son Drew, and wife Chandler survive him. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, meanwhile, issued a statement lamenting the legend's passing.
Adam Silver remembers Paul Tagliabue as a mentor, visionary, and selfless leader in heartfelt tribute
Paul Tagliabue, who presided over labor peace and wealth growth in 17 years as the commissioner of the NFL, died on Sunday at 84 from heart failure. Although he is remembered for labor peace and wealth for the league, he is also criticized for not taking more aggressive action in addressing concussions.
Roger Goodell, Tagliabue's replacement as NFL commissioner, told CBS Sports:
"All of us in the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Tagliabue, whose principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success…”
Goodell further said:
“Throughout his decades-long leadership on behalf of the NFL, first as outside counsel and then during a powerful 17-year tenure as commissioner, Paul served with integrity, passion and an unwavering conviction to do what was best for the league.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, meanwhile, released a statement about the sad news. The statement read:
“Paul Tagliabue was not just a pioneering commissioner, he was a mentor and friend to me and so many others. With his vision, integrity and tenacity, he ushered in an unprecedented era of growth in the NFL. At the NBA, we also knew Paul as a former basketball standout at Georgetown University who was always available for advice and counsel…”
It further added:
"Among his many enduring lessons of leadership we remember was his understanding of the power of sports to bring people together and make a difference off the field of play, including most recently collaborating with our league to promote civic engagement around the country. Paul was that kind of selfless leader throughout his life and career…”
It then concluded:
"I send my deepest condolences to Paul's family and everyone in the NFL family on the loss of a giant in professional sports."
On the other hand, as of now, no statement has been released from Tagliabue’s family or his relatives.
Also read: "It was a bit of a kick in the a** to Luka" - NBA commissioner Adam Silver spills beans on Luka Doncic's surprising trade to Los Angeles Lakers
According to reports, Parkinson's disease-complicated heart failure was his cause of death. According to NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy, Tagliabue's family notified the league of his passing in Chevy Chase, Maryland. His daughter Emily, son Drew, and wife Chandler survive him. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, meanwhile, issued a statement lamenting the legend's passing.
Adam Silver remembers Paul Tagliabue as a mentor, visionary, and selfless leader in heartfelt tribute
Paul Tagliabue, who presided over labor peace and wealth growth in 17 years as the commissioner of the NFL, died on Sunday at 84 from heart failure. Although he is remembered for labor peace and wealth for the league, he is also criticized for not taking more aggressive action in addressing concussions.
Roger Goodell, Tagliabue's replacement as NFL commissioner, told CBS Sports:
"All of us in the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Tagliabue, whose principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success…”
Goodell further said:
“Throughout his decades-long leadership on behalf of the NFL, first as outside counsel and then during a powerful 17-year tenure as commissioner, Paul served with integrity, passion and an unwavering conviction to do what was best for the league.”
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/YmSxbMCkXW
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 9, 2025
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, meanwhile, released a statement about the sad news. The statement read:
“Paul Tagliabue was not just a pioneering commissioner, he was a mentor and friend to me and so many others. With his vision, integrity and tenacity, he ushered in an unprecedented era of growth in the NFL. At the NBA, we also knew Paul as a former basketball standout at Georgetown University who was always available for advice and counsel…”
It further added:
"Among his many enduring lessons of leadership we remember was his understanding of the power of sports to bring people together and make a difference off the field of play, including most recently collaborating with our league to promote civic engagement around the country. Paul was that kind of selfless leader throughout his life and career…”
It then concluded:
"I send my deepest condolences to Paul's family and everyone in the NFL family on the loss of a giant in professional sports."
On the other hand, as of now, no statement has been released from Tagliabue’s family or his relatives.
Also read: "It was a bit of a kick in the a** to Luka" - NBA commissioner Adam Silver spills beans on Luka Doncic's surprising trade to Los Angeles Lakers
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