The footballing world has battled through a difficult and hurtful week. A few valuable members of the NFL world tragically met their demise, leaving players, fans, and other stakeholders of the sport in a state of mourning. This tragic week began with the sad passing of the Dallas Cowboys‘ 24-year-old DE Marshawn Kneeland, who took his own life. As the NFL world came to terms with this horrific incident, the news of another key footballing figure’s death has triggered heartfelt reactions from many, including legends like Tom Brady.

As confirmed by spokesman Brian McCarthy, former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue died on Sunday, November 10, because of heart failure. Tagliabue was 84 at the time of his passing and played a pivotal role in the NFL’s growth during his 17-year tenure as the league commissioner. Legendary NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady and Troy Aikman, among many others, shared heartfelt messages on social media, paying tribute to the late Paul Tagliabue.

After reposting the NFL statement about Tagliabue’s passing, Brady wrote, “Thank you for your contributions to our amazing game.” Aikman shared a photo of the late NFL commissioner on his Instagram story.

Tagliabue became commissioner in 1989, replacing Pete Rozelle. But throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2006, the value of various franchises increased tenfold. When he left the post, more than two-thirds of the NFL’s 32 teams were playing in or building stadiums that didn’t exist when he took over the job in 1989.

The league also added four teams, the Carolina Panthers (1995), Jacksonville Jaguars (1995), Houston Texans (2002), and the returning Cleveland Browns (1999) during his tenure. As a token of appreciation for these achievements, Paul Tagliabue was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2020.

After Tom Brady, Patriots’ owner, shares pays tribute to Paul Tagliabue

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft shared how he was “deeply saddened” by Paul Tagliabue’s passing. During Tagliabue’s tenure as the commissioner, Kraft’s Patriots, with legends like Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, established a dominant dynasty that won three Super Bowl titles.

“He was a leader who made an indelible impact on the National Football League,” Kraft said. “Paul was a man of integrity and a tireless advocate for the game. During his tenure, Paul guided the league through transformative growth, expanding its reach and strengthening its foundation. His unwavering belief in the power of football to unite communities set a standard that continues to inspire us all.”

Robert Kraft concluded his address by sharing how Paul Tagliabue was ” a trusted colleague and a cherished friend.” The New England Patriots’ owner also extended wishes to Tagliabue’s family – wife Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily. Paul Tagliabue will go down in sporting history as one of the few pivotal changemakers in the footballing world who left an everlasting mark on the sport.