Roger Goodell (born February 19, 1959) is the commissioner of the NFL since 2006. He began his NFL career in 1982 as an administrative intern and later worked for the New York Jets.
In 1987, Goodell became assistant to the president of the AFC, Lamar Hunt, and held various roles under Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, eventually becoming COO in 2001. He oversaw football operations, officiating, and business functions, including NFL Ventures, collective bargaining, league expansion, and media agreements.
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Roger Goodell Net Worth
Roger Goodell has a net worth of $250 million. His salary started at $6 million in 2007 and rose steadily over the years, reaching $29.5 million in 2012. By 2013, he earned $44.2 million, and in 2018, his salary was $40 million.
Goodell’s earnings peaked at $64 million in 2021 and 2022, reaching $65 million in 2023. Over his career, Goodell earned a total of $621.7 million. His salary is no longer publicly disclosed, but he is believed to make around $64 million annually.
Early Life
Roger Goodell was born on February 19, 1959, in Jamestown, New York, to U.S. Senator Charles Ellsworth Goodell and his first wife, Jean Rice Goodell. He attended Bronxville High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, captaining all three teams and being named athlete of the year.
Injuries prevented him from playing college football. Goodell graduated in 1981 from Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
Career
Roger Goodell started his NFL career in 1982 as an unpaid intern in the league office. After returning in 1984, he became assistant to the president of the American Football Conference in 1987.
In 2001, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and COO, overseeing football operations and business functions. As NFL Commissioner, Goodell addressed controversies like Spygate, Bountygate, and the referee lockout, introduced the NFL International Series, and created a personal conduct policy. He also tackled player safety, setting up a $675 million concussion settlement.
Personal Life
In October 1997, Roger Goodell married former Fox News Channel anchor Jane Skinner, and they have twin daughters born in 2001. He has four brothers, including Tim, a senior vice president at Hess Corporation, and Michael, married to Jack Kenny, creator of the NBC series The Book of Daniel.
The Webster family on the show was loosely based on the Goodell family. Roger’s cousin, Andy Goodell, serves in the New York State Assembly. He also starred as himself in the NFL 100 commercial before Super Bowl LIII.
Is there a way to contact Roger Goodell?
You can contact Roger Goodell by writing to him at NFL Commissioner, 345 Park Ave., New York, NY 10154. You can also call the NFL league office at 212-450-2000. Additionally, you can send a message to him on Twitter @nflcommish using the hashtag #ChangeTheMascot.
Conclusion
Roger Goodell’s journey from a sports enthusiast in a small New York town to one of the most powerful figures in professional sports is a remarkable tale of ambition, strategic thinking, and leadership. As he continues to steer the NFL through an era of both challenges and opportunities, his influence on the world of sports remains undeniable.
FAQs about Roger Goodell
- What is Roger Goodell’s role as the NFL Commissioner?
- As the NFL Commissioner, Goodell is responsible for overseeing the entire operations of the league, enforcing its rules and policies, and ensuring the growth and success of professional football.
- How did Roger Goodell start his career in the NFL?
- Goodell began his NFL career in 1982 as an administrative intern in the league office in New York under then-Commissioner Pete Rozelle.
- Has Roger Goodell faced any controversies during his tenure?
- Like any high-profile executive, Goodell has navigated through various controversies, including issues related to player conduct, league policies, and team management.
- What were some of Goodell’s key achievements as Commissioner?
- Goodell has been instrumental in negotiating significant broadcasting rights contracts, enhancing the league’s international presence, and overseeing the expansion of the league’s digital and entertainment offerings.
- How does Roger Goodell’s salary compare to those of other sports commissioners?
- Roger Goodell is one of the highest-paid commissioners in sports, reflecting the financial success and global reach of the NFL under his leadership.
