The Sunday morning of November 9 brought with it heartbreaking news. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has passed away. As the NFL community mourns the loss of its stalwart former leader, current NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has also shared an emotional tribute to Paul.

“Paul was the ultimate steward of the game–tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL,” Goodell notes. “He viewed every challenge and opportunity through the lens of what was best for the greater good, a principle he inherited from Pete Rozelle and passed on to me.”

As millions offer their prayers for Paul and his family, here is everything you need to know about Tagliabue’s dynamic personality that has left an indelible mark on the league’s history.

What happened to Paul Tagliabue?

Paul Tagliabue had been quietly facing Parkinson’s disease before passing away at the age of 84. His family announced that he succumbed to heart failure, which was further complicated by Parkinson’s. He was notably at his Chevy Chase, Maryland home when he passed away.

Paul Tagliabue’s career history and major achievements

Tagliabue wasn’t just known for overseeing the NFL’s expansion to 32 franchises. He stood as a steady leader through crises like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. He cancelled games after the attacks and ensured the New Orleans Saints could return to their city post-Katrina. But Tagliabue was a game-changer even beyond these instances.

He doubled down on labor peace, ensuring no strikes or lockouts for 17 years, an NFL rarity. Under his watch, TV deals exploded, boosting the league’s annual revenue to $3.6 billion by 2006. He introduced the Rooney Rule, mandating minority interviews for team leadership roles, which reshaped hiring practices entirely. Stadiums surged, and international games began to spread the NFL footprint globally. It’s not an understatement to say Tagliabue was the steady hand behind football’s golden era. And through it all, he was always all in with the players.

“In examining what makes the NFL so compelling, I always return to the players who make the game what it is,” Tagliabue had noted once. “The athletes who thrive in the competitive environment of the National Football League tend to be intensely motivated individuals with clear values and exceptional goals.”

But his story isn’t just about business or politics. Off-field life and personals values added multiple layers to the man behind the commissioner’s desk.

Paul Tagliabue’s wife, children, and family life

Paul Tagliabue is survived by his wife Chandler, his son Drew, and daughter Emily. Married to Chandler in 1965, Tagliabue always kept his family close. Along with his family, Tagliabue had once donated $50,000 to help the cause of same-sex marriage. This personal side showed a grounded man who balanced the pressures of leading the league with a supportive home life.

Paul Tagliabue’s net worth and earnings

Tagliabue’s estate was solid, with a net worth around $20 million by 2025. Not flashy like his successor Roger Goodell, but still respectable. Back in 1998, Tagliabue had a yearly payout of $5 million. Toward the end of his career, he was making around $8 million a year. Even after his retirement, his earnings from the league continued. As per reports, he had earned an $8.58 million payout in the 2011 fiscal year. But his real riches beyond all of this? The legacy of guiding the NFL through booming growth, not just the bank balance.

Tagliabue’s life was a brilliant blend of sharp leadership, family grounding, and unshakable principles. His tragic death closes a remarkable chapter. The league he shaped will remember him not just for expansion, but for steady hands through some of the toughest times in history. Rest in peace, Paul Tagaliabue.