Roger Goodell has been a defining force in professional sports over the last two decades. As Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) since 2006, he’s overseen massive revenue growth, landmark controversies, and sweeping changes across the league. Today, at age 66, Goodell is one of the most influential—and well-compensated—figures in global sports.
From Intern to NFL Chief: A 40-Year Climb
Born on February 19, 1959, in Jamestown, New York, Roger Stokoe Goodell grew up in a politically active household. His father, Charles Goodell, served as both a U.S. Congressman and Senator. Roger was one of five boys and showed early promise in sports, captaining the football, basketball, and baseball teams at Bronxville High School.
A serious athlete, he was named the school’s athlete of the year, but recurring injuries ended his dream of playing college football. Instead, he focused on academics and graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 1981 with a degree in economics.
Goodell entered the NFL the following year—unpaid—as an administrative intern. After a short stint with the New York Jets, he returned to the league office and steadily climbed the ladder. By 2001, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, managing football operations and business ventures. Five years later, after a tight vote among owners, he succeeded Paul Tagliabue as commissioner.
Transforming the NFL’s Business Model
When Goodell took over ahead of the 2006 season, the NFL was generating just over $6 billion in annual revenue. Under his leadership, that number has skyrocketed to $20 billion per year.
Much of that growth came through strategic expansions: international games, digital media deals, and the creation of the NFL Network. His leadership also helped secure key television and streaming rights agreements, cementing the NFL’s dominance in American sports broadcasting.
He also introduced a new personal conduct policy, tightened disciplinary protocols, and pushed for global brand recognition through the NFL International Series. As president of NFL Charities, Goodell has also helped steer philanthropic efforts.
Controversies and Crisis Management
Goodell’s tenure hasn’t been without backlash. He’s handled several high-profile scandals, from “Spygate” and “Deflategate” to the Saints’ “Bountygate” incident. The latter led to some of the most severe penalties ever handed down in league history.
Player safety has been a particularly contentious issue, with growing concerns over concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Under Goodell, the league agreed to a $675 million settlement fund for affected players, though the amount and process faced criticism from legal observers and former athletes.
He was also at the center of the 2011 and 2012 labor disputes, including the lockout of referees that prompted the use of replacement officials—a decision widely panned by fans and analysts alike. A missed pass interference call in the 2018 NFC Championship game later forced a rule change, allowing coaches to challenge such plays for a limited time.
Despite the controversies, Goodell’s standing with team owners has remained strong, largely because of the league’s financial performance under his watch.
Eye-Popping Earnings and Incentive-Based Contracts
Goodell’s financial success mirrors the league’s. When he took over as commissioner in 2007, his annual salary was $6 million. That number quickly climbed, reaching $29.5 million by 2012 and peaking at $65 million in 2023. Most of his compensation—over 90%—comes from performance incentives tied to league revenue and milestones.
As of 2024, Goodell’s estimated net worth is $250 million. Between 2007 and 2023 alone, he earned roughly $621.7 million. That figure doesn’t include income from earlier roles within the NFL or other assets.
His 2017 contract extension, which runs through the 2024 season, was described by Goodell as likely his last. However, in 2023, the NFL owners agreed to extend his contract through the 2027 season. That multiyear deal could push his career earnings beyond $700 million.
Personal Life and Family Ties
Roger Goodell has been married to Jane Skinner since 1997. Skinner, a former Fox News anchor, stepped away from television in 2010 to focus on family. The couple has twin daughters, born in 2001, and lives a relatively private life despite Goodell’s public-facing role.
His family also includes high achievers across various fields. His brother Tim is a senior executive at Hess Corporation, while another brother, Michael, is married to television producer Jack Kenny. His cousin Andy Goodell serves in the New York State Assembly.
