Roger Goodell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roger Goodell
Goodell in 2023
6th Commissioner of the NFL
Incumbent
Assumed office September 1, 2006
Preceded by	Paul Tagliabue
Personal details
Born	Roger Stokoe Goodell (1959-02-19) February 19, 1959 (age 66) Jamestown, New York, U.S.
Spouse	Jane Skinner ​ (m. 1997)​
Children	2
Parent	Charles Goodell (father)
Relatives	Samuel Skinner (father-in-law) Andy Goodell (cousin)
Education	Washington and Jefferson College (BA)

Roger Stokoe Goodell (born February 19, 1959) is an American businessman. He has been the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) since 2006.

Goodell started his NFL journey in 1982. He worked as an administrative helper in the league office in New York. He got this job after writing many letters to the league and its teams. In 1983, he briefly joined the New York Jets. He returned to the league office in 1984, working in public relations.

By 1987, Goodell became an assistant to the president of the American Football Conference. He learned a lot from Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Goodell took on many different roles in football and business. In 2001, he became the NFL's executive vice president and chief operating officer. In this role, he managed football games and business operations. He also oversaw media, marketing, and stadium development.

Goodell was very involved in important talks between the NFL and its players. He helped create new rules for players and owners. He also played a big part in growing the league. This included starting the NFL Network and getting new TV deals.

Early life

Roger Goodell was born in Jamestown, New York. His birthday is February 19, 1959. His father, Charles Goodell, was a Senator from New York.

Goodell went to Bronxville High School. He was a great athlete there. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He was the captain of all three teams in his senior year. He was also named the school's athlete of the year. Injuries stopped him from playing college football. Goodell graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 1981. He earned a degree in economics.

As NFL Commissioner

How he was chosen

When Commissioner Tagliabue decided to retire, Goodell was one of the people who wanted the job. After several votes, Goodell was chosen. He officially became the commissioner on September 1, 2006.

What he does

Goodell believes his main job is to keep the game fair and safe. He calls this "protecting the shield," referring to the NFL's logo. Some of his decisions have caused debate.

NFL in Europe

The spring football league called NFL Europe was closed by Goodell in 2007. Most of its teams were in Germany. After that, the NFL International Series began. This series started in October 2007 with regular season games played in London.

Player conduct rules

In 2007, Goodell announced new rules for how NFL players should behave. This happened after some players had problems off the field. Goodell has suspended players for various actions.

Here are some examples of players he has suspended:

Goodell has also fined players for actions during games. For example, in 2010, he fined several players for hits that were seen as dangerous. Some players felt Goodell had too much power in deciding punishments.

Goodell in 2009

Spygate and team rules

In 2007, Goodell punished the New England Patriots and their coach, Bill Belichick. This was because the Patriots tried to secretly videotape the signals of another team. Belichick was fined a lot of money. The Patriots also lost a high draft pick. Goodell ordered the team to turn over any related tapes. He then had these tapes destroyed. Goodell said he punished them severely because the coach's actions were seen as the team's actions.

The 2011 NFL lockout

Goodell also worked to end the 2011 NFL lockout. This was a time when NFL players and owners could not agree on a new contract. The lockout lasted from March to August 2011. During this time, Goodell talked with fans to explain the situation.

Bountygate

In 2012, Goodell found out about a "bounty program" with the New Orleans Saints. Some Saints defensive players were paid extra money for trying to injure opposing players. Goodell gave out very strong punishments. He suspended the defensive coordinator, the head coach, and the general manager. The Saints team was also fined a large amount and lost draft picks. Goodell was especially upset that those involved had lied about the program.

Replacement referees

In 2012, the NFL and its regular referees could not agree on a new contract. So, the NFL started the season with replacement referees. These officials were from lower levels of college and high school football. Many people, including players, criticized their inexperience.

A very controversial play happened during a game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. It was called the "Fail Mary." The replacement referees made a call that many people disagreed with. This event led to the NFL and the regular referees quickly agreeing on a new contract.

Deflategate and Tom Brady

In 2015, the NFL suspended New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. This was because he was accused of knowing about footballs being deflated. The NFL said this made the balls easier to throw. Brady and the players' union appealed the suspension. Goodell decided to hear the appeal himself.

Goodell upheld the suspension. He said Brady destroyed his cell phone, which was important evidence. Brady and the Patriots' owner disagreed with Goodell's decision. A judge later overturned Brady's suspension, saying the process was not fair. The NFL then appealed this judge's decision.

In 2016, a higher court brought back Brady's four-game suspension. The court said they could not question Goodell's decision as an arbitrator. Some people felt Goodell was trying to show his power in the league.

National anthem protests

In 2018, Commissioner Goodell and NFL owners approved a new rule. It said players had to stand during the national anthem. If they did not want to stand, they could stay in the locker room. Teams would be punished if players protested on the field.

However, after new Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, Goodell changed his view. He encouraged players to share their thoughts more freely.

Personal life

In 1997, Roger Goodell married Jane Skinner. She used to be a news anchor. They have twin daughters, who were born in 2001. Goodell has four brothers. His cousin, Andy Goodell, is a member of the New York State Assembly.

Goodell appeared as himself in an NFL commercial before Super Bowl LIII.

See also

In Spanish: Roger Goodell para niños