History of Roger Goodell in Timeline
Roger Goodell is an American businessman who has been the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) since 2006. As the chief executive officer, he oversees the league's operations and its 32 teams.
1947: Labor Management Relations Act of 1947
The Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 established a legal framework for labor relations in the United States. It is notable in this context because it was cited as the basis for the court's decision to reinstate Tom Brady's four-game suspension in 2016.
February 19, 1959: Birth of Roger Goodell
Roger Goodell was born in Jamestown, New York, on February 19, 1959.
1981: Goodell Graduates College
Roger Goodell graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
1982: Goodell starts NFL career
Roger Goodell began his career with the NFL in 1982 as an administrative intern.
1983: Goodell joins New York Jets
In 1983, Roger Goodell joined the New York Jets as an intern.
1984: Goodell returns to NFL office
Roger Goodell returned to the NFL office in 1984 to work in public relations.
1987: Goodell appointed assistant to AFC President
In 1987, Roger Goodell was appointed assistant to the president of the American Football Conference, Lamar Hunt.
1995: NFL Europe Founded
The spring league NFL Europe was founded in 1995.
October 1997: Roger Goodell's Marriage to Jane Skinner
In October 1997, Roger Goodell married Jane Skinner, a former anchor for Fox News Channel.
December 2001: Goodell appointed NFL COO
In December 2001, Roger Goodell was appointed as the NFL's executive vice president and chief operating officer.
2001: Birth of Goodell's Twin Daughters
Roger Goodell and Jane Skinner welcomed twin daughters in 2001.
2004: NFL Europe Expansion
By 2004, five of the six NFL Europe teams were based in Germany.
August 8, 2006: Goodell succeeds Tagliabue as NFL Commissioner
On August 8, 2006, Roger Goodell was chosen to succeed Paul Tagliabue as NFL commissioner.
2006: Goodell becomes NFL Commissioner
In 2006, Roger Goodell became the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL).
April 2007: Goodell Announces New Personal Conduct Policy
Following a year of scandals, Roger Goodell announced a new NFL Personal Conduct Policy in April 2007.
August 31, 2007: Goodell Suspends Wade Wilson and Rodney Harrison
On August 31, 2007, Roger Goodell suspended Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson and New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison for using banned substances.
September 13, 2007: Goodell Disciplines Patriots for Spygate
On September 13, 2007, Roger Goodell disciplined the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick after they were found to have videotaped the New York Jets' defensive signals from an illegal position.
October 2007: NFL International Series Begins
The NFL International Series, with regular season games in London, began in October 2007.
2008: Patriots Forfeit Draft Pick
The New England Patriots had to forfeit a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft as part of the Spygate scandal.
October 19, 2010: Goodell Fines Players for On-Field Misconduct
Roger Goodell fined several players, including James Harrison, Dunta Robinson, and Brandon Meriweather, for controversial hits on October 19, 2010.
2011: Goodell's role in CBA negotiations and league development
In 2011, Roger Goodell was heavily involved in negotiating the collective bargaining agreement with the NFLPA and NFL owners. He also played a significant role in league expansion, realignment, and stadium development.
2011: Goodell's Role in Resolving the 2011 NFL Lockout
Roger Goodell played a significant role in resolving the 2011 NFL lockout, which lasted from March 11 to August 5.
March 2012: Goodell Addresses Saints Bounty Scandal
Roger Goodell revealed evidence of a bounty program run by the New Orleans Saints in March 2012 and handed down harsh penalties.
June 2012: NFL Labor Dispute
In June 2012, the NFL and the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) were in a labor dispute, failing to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement. This resulted in the NFL locking out regular officials and starting the 2012 season with replacements.
September 24, 2012: The "Fail Mary" Incident
On September 24, 2012, a controversial call by replacement referees, dubbed the "Fail Mary," occurred during a game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. The referees ruled a disputed pass as a touchdown for Seattle, sparking further criticism of the replacement officials during the lockout.
August 30, 2013: NFL Head Injury Settlement
The NFL, under Goodell's leadership, reached a $765 million settlement on August 30, 2013, with former players regarding head injuries. The settlement aimed to compensate players suffering from conditions linked to football impacts, though it faced initial legal challenges over its sufficiency.
2013: Gregg Williams Reinstated
Gregg Williams, who was suspended indefinitely for his role in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, was reinstated at the start of the 2013 season.
2014: Removal of Cap on Head Injury Settlement
In 2014, the cap on the NFL's head injury settlement was removed following U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody's rejection of the initial agreement, ensuring a larger pool of funds for retired players dealing with the long-term effects of head trauma.
2014: Goodell receives Outstanding Civilian Service Award
Roger Goodell received the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, the third highest honor in the Department of the Army Civilian Awards scheme, in 2014.
May 14, 2015: NFLPA Appeals Tom Brady's Suspension
The NFLPA filed an appeal on May 14, 2015, contesting Tom Brady's four-game suspension for his alleged role in the "Deflategate" scandal. The appeal, requesting a neutral arbitrator, was ultimately overseen by Goodell himself, further escalating the controversy.
May 21, 2015: Accusations of Goodell's "Power Play"
On May 21, 2015, a Washington Post article alleged that Goodell's pursuit of a harsh suspension for Tom Brady was driven by a desire to assert his authority within the NFL. This accusation fueled public perception of Goodell as prioritizing power over fairness in the Deflategate scandal.
March 3, 2016: Appeal Hearing for Tom Brady's Suspension
The NFL's appeal of Judge Berman's decision to overturn Brady's suspension was heard on March 3, 2016. The three-judge panel rigorously questioned both sides, with indications of skepticism towards the Players Association's arguments, signaling a potential shift in the case.
April 25, 2016: Reinstatement of Tom Brady's Suspension
On April 25, 2016, a Second Circuit court reinstated Tom Brady's four-game suspension, reversing the previous overturning. This decision, based on the court's interpretation of labor laws, was seen as a victory for the NFL and Goodell's authority but fueled further debate about the fairness of the process and potential bias.
May 23, 2018: New NFL Anthem Policy
On May 23, 2018, the NFL, under Goodell's leadership, implemented a policy mandating players to stand for the national anthem or remain in the locker room. The policy, intended to address player protests during the anthem, drew significant criticism for potentially stifling free speech and sparked further debate about social justice issues within the league.