Paul Tagliabue's Death Revealed: Heart Failure and Parkinson's Caused Late NFL Chief's Passing

Paul Tagliabue, the longtime NFL commissioner and influential Georgetown University leader, has died at the age of 84. According to his family, heart failure complicated by Parkinson's disease was the cause of death. He passed away at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on 9 November 2025, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by the league and Georgetown University.

The announcement was followed by an outpouring of tributes from the sports world and beyond. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who succeeded Tagliabue in 2006, described him as 'the ultimate steward of the game' and said his leadership placed the NFL on a path to 'unparalleled success'.

A Legacy of Leadership in American Football

Tagliabue was appointed as the seventh commissioner of the National Football League in 1989, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the sport. Over his 17-year tenure, he oversaw a major expansion that saw the league grow from 28 to 32 teams, introducing the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns.

Under his direction, the NFL's annual revenues surged from £870 million ($1.1 billion) in 1989 to over £4.6 billion ($5.8 billion) by the time he retired. His negotiations brought in more than £19.7 billion ($25 billion) in television contracts, turning the league into one of the most profitable sports organisations in the world.

Tagliabue's leadership was also marked by moments of integrity and empathy. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he suspended games out of respect for the victims. Later, after Hurricane Katrina, he worked to ensure the New Orleans Saints could safely relocate and eventually return home.

According to the Hindustan Times, Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Tagliabue's wisdom and humility, saying, 'Paul was tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL. I am forever grateful and proud to have Paul as my mentor and friend.'

Commitment to Georgetown and Equality

Before joining the NFL, Tagliabue spent two decades at the Washington law firm Covington & Burling, where he specialised in sports law. That background helped him navigate complex labour and media negotiations, including the landmark 1993 collective bargaining agreement that improved pensions, health coverage and player benefits.

After his retirement from the NFL in 2006, Tagliabue shifted focus to academia and social advocacy. A proud alumnus of Georgetown University, he served as chair of its board of directors from 2009 to 2015, contributing to major institutional and athletic developments.

He played a key role in building the John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletic Centre, which opened in 2016, and helped shape university policy on inclusion. During his tenure, Georgetown established the LGBTQ Resource Center in 2008, the first of its kind at a Catholic institution in the US. In 2011, Tagliabue and his wife Chandler donated £3.9 million ($5 million) to fund scholarships, student-athlete aid and the Tagliabue Initiative for LGBTQ Life, which continues to support equality and community engagement across campus.

Interim President Robert M. Groves paid tribute to his legacy, describing him as 'a consummate Hoya who carried our Jesuit values everywhere he went, from Georgetown to the NFL'.

Personal Life and Recognition

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on 24 November 1940, Tagliabue was a standout basketball player, class president and Rhodes Scholarship finalist during his time at Georgetown. After graduating with honours in 1962, he earned his law degree from New York University in 1965.

His professional achievements earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Centennial Class of 2020 and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2012. Beyond sports, his legacy is also defined by his advocacy for education, equality and ethical leadership.

Tagliabue is survived by his wife, Chandler; his daughter, Emily; his son, Drew; Drew's husband, Mark Jones; and three grandchildren.

His passing marks the loss of a visionary who bridged athletics, academia and social progress, leaving a profound impact on both American sport and higher education.