Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to retire in July

Paul Tagliabue has been just the second commissioner of the NFL, having replaced the legendary Pete Rozelle in 1989. He has continued the legacy of parity left by Rozelle, and ushered in the free agency system that we both love and hate as fans, depending on whether our team is gaining or losing. Tags has brought calm to a league that suffered through 2 strikes in the 6 years previous to his tenure, and the closest they have come since was during this year's labor negotiations.

Story Link

Paul Tagliabue is leaving the NFL, and he's leaving it both peaceful and prosperous.

The 65-year-old commissioner will step down in July after 16 years, his tenure marked by labor harmony and unprecedented riches through television deals.

Tagliabue has been in charge since 1989, when he succeeded Pete Rozelle, and agreed last March to stay to complete the TV deal and a long-term contract with players.

Supporting Links
NFL.com's Reactions to Tagliabue's retirement

Here's an interesting story -

Secretary of State Rice won't seek top sports job

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice officially turned her back on Wednesday on her dream job -- commissioner of the National Football League.

"Unfortunately it came open at the wrong time," said Rice, an avid fan of pro football and especially the Cleveland Browns.

Rice, who has served President George W. Bush first as national security adviser and now as secretary of state, has often fended off questions about a potential run for the U.S. presidency by saying she would prefer to be NFL commissioner.

Yahoo story link

Wouldn't that have been different?

Wouldn't that thing as Prez by "different?" Well, different if your frame of reference is prior to the year....

um....

I'd better stfu.

[Edited on 3/22/06 by BaseballHistoryNut]

Apparently, the NFL powers that be lean heavily to the right. Is that really all that surprising?

Gov. Bush said he has discussed NFL commissioner's job

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said he was privately approached about his interest in becoming the NFL's next commissioner.

Source Link - Yahoo! Sports

I just heard on the radio today that Jeb Bush has no intention of being the next NFL commissioner, he said his job right now is governor of Florida and will not seek any other job until his term is up in 2007. Looks like the NFL will have to look a little more for someone that wants the job.