Jim Irsay reveals NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell nearing contract extension through 2027
It sounds like Roger Goodell will continue to serve as the NFL commissioner for at least a few more years. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay revealed that the league is approaching a contract extension for Goodell.
Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer was one of multiple reporters to provide an update on the situation. The new extension, once finalized, keeps Goodell in the commissioner’s seat through March 2027.
The news doesn’t come as a huge surprise. In March at the owners’ meetings, it was reported that an extension was in the works for the commissioner. But with a few months passing and without many updates, there were a few questions about Goodell’s future.
The financial terms of a potential extension were not known. Goodell’s current contract runs through March 2024.
Goodell has been the commissioner of the NFL since 2006, replacing Paul Tagliabue. In March, ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated that this could be the final extension Goodell receives to remain the league’s commissioner.
Assuming Irsay’s comments are true, this will be Goodell’s fourth extension since taking over.
Although he catches a lot of grief from fans — and sometimes players — Goodell has been in his position for nearly two decades.
Perhaps his greatest accomplishment came with the league’s new media rights deal worth $100-plus billion. Networks part of the deal include CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN and Amazon.
Goodell addressed uncertain future during NFL Draft
With contract discussion trickling into the NFL Draft, there were some questions about Goodell’s future as the league’s commissioner. But he didn’t have any concerns addressing his status, even with some question marks surrounding the situation.
“The good news is I love the job and I love what I’m doing,” Goodell said, per Sports Business Daily. “We have talked about an extension and we’ll work towards that. If that’s possible, then great. If not, I’ve been really fortunate to be in this job. I’ve loved every day of it. I would love every day that I’m in it, but I don’t really think about the tenure. I think about the progress and the important challenges we have ahead.”
Perhaps Goodell didn’t want to put the cart before the horse, speaking cautiously about his contract extension. Either way, it sounds like his future is pretty safe in the commissioner’s seat.
If Goodell’s extension does run through the 2026 NFL season, he’ll have served in the position for 20 years. That’s an impressive accomplishment.