Paul Tagliabue, former NFL commissioner, dies at 84

Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue died Sunday morning at the age of 84, according to a statement from his family. The cause of death was reportedly complications due to Parkinson’s disease.

“Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue died this morning in Chevy Chase, MD., his family announced. He was 84,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on Twitter. “The apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease. Survivors include his wife Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily.”

Tagliabue was honored as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021 as a major contributor to the league during his time as commissioner. He was in office as NFL commissioner from November 5, 1989 to September 1, 2006.

Prior to that role, he was a lawyer for the NFL. He received his law degree from the New York University School of Law in 1965.

Going into college, Tagliabue received an athletic scholarship to play basketball at Georgetown and he graduated in 1962. He was captain of the team during the 1961-62 season.

Tagliabue practiced as a lawyer from 1969-89 before succeeding Pete Rozelle as the commissioner of the NFL. He had many accomplishments during his tenure, which included expanding the league from 28 to 32 teams.

Tagilabue brought back the Cleveland Browns as an expansion franchise after the original Browns moved to Baltimore to become the Ravens. He was in charge as the NFL added a 32nd franchise, the Houston Texans, in 2002.

Tagliabue was also praised for politically related actions such as taking a stand against the State of Arizona for refusing to establish a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. He moved Super Bowl XXVII from Arizona to Pasadena due to this.

Tagliabue also made it a league priority to keep the New Orleans Saints in the city after the disruption of the 2005 season due to Hurricane Katrina. Owner Tom Benson played with the idea of moving the Saints to San Antonio but later abandoned the idea.

Tagliabue is survived by his wife Chandler. They had two children: son Drew and daughter Emily.