NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Salary & Net Worth More 2023

Roger Goodell is one of the most powerful and influential figures in the world of sports. As the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL), he oversees the operations and management of the most popular and profitable sports league in the United States. But how much does he make, and who pays him? How did he rise to his position, and what are some of the challenges and controversies he faces? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore everything you need to know about Roger Goodell in 2023.

Roger Goodell Salary: How Much Does He Make Per Year?

Roger Goodell made nearly $128 million over the last two fiscal years (2019-20 and 2020-21), which averages to $63.9 million per year. This makes him one of the highest-paid executives in the country, and far outpaces other sports commissioners. For comparison, Adam Silver of the NBA, Gary Bettman of the NHL, and Rob Manfred of the MLB reportedly make $10 million, $10 million, and $11 million per year, respectively.

Goodell’s salary is composed of a base salary, bonuses, and other benefits. The exact breakdown of his compensation package is not publicly disclosed, as the NFL is no longer a tax-exempt organization and does not have to file its financial statements with the IRS. However, according to sources familiar with the matter, Goodell’s salary is mostly based on performance incentives, rather than guaranteed payments. This means that his earnings depend largely on how well he meets certain financial and non-financial goals for the league.

Roger Goodell Net Worth: How Rich Is He?

Roger Goodell’s net worth is estimated to be around $175 million as of 2023. This is based on his accumulated earnings from his career as an NFL executive, as well as his investments and assets. Goodell owns a 5,500-square-foot penthouse in New York City that he bought for $6.5 million in 2017. He also owns a 7,000-square-foot home in Bronxville, New York that he bought for $4.1 million in 2006.

Goodell’s net worth is likely to increase in the future, as he continues to receive lucrative bonuses from his contract with the NFL. His current contract runs until March 2024 and is reportedly worth up to $200 million over five years. However, there is no guarantee that he will remain as the commissioner beyond that date, as his contract renewal depends on the approval of the NFL owners.

Roger Goodell Contract: Who Pays Him?

Roger Goodell’s contract is negotiated and approved by the NFL owners, who are represented by a compensation committee composed of six members. The current members of the committee are Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons), Clark Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs), Robert Kraft (New England Patriots), John Mara (New York Giants), Bob McNair (Houston Texans), and Art Rooney II (Pittsburgh Steelers).

The compensation committee determines Goodell’s salary based on various factors, such as his performance, the league’s revenue growth, the labor relations with the players’ union, the media rights deals, and other strategic initiatives. The committee also reviews Goodell’s annual performance evaluation, which is conducted by an independent consultant.

The compensation committee reports its recommendations to the full body of NFL owners, who have the final say on whether to approve or reject Goodell’s contract. The approval requires a simple majority vote (at least 17 out of 32 owners) to pass. The last time Goodell’s contract was renewed was in December 2017, when he signed a five-year extension that went into effect in March 2019.

Roger Goodell Career: How Did He Become the NFL Commissioner?

Roger Goodell started his career in the NFL as an intern in 1982 when he worked for then-commissioner Pete Rozelle. He then joined the league’s office full-time in 1984 as an administrative assistant. He rose through the ranks over the years, holding various positions such as director of international development, president of NFL Europe, executive vice president of business and football development, chief operating officer, and deputy commissioner.

In August 2006, after then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced his retirement, Goodell was chosen as his successor by a unanimous vote of the NFL owners. He officially assumed office on September 1, 2006. Since then, he has been re-elected three times by the owners: in August 2009, in December 2012, and in December 2017.

As the commissioner, Goodell is responsible for the overall management and direction of the NFL, as well as enforcing the league’s rules and policies. He also serves as the chief spokesperson and representative of the league in various matters, such as labor negotiations, media rights deals, public relations, social responsibility, and international expansion.

Roger Goodell’s Personal Life: Who Is He Married To?

Roger Goodell is married to Jane Skinner, a former Fox News anchor and journalist. They tied the knot in 1997, and have twin daughters, born in 2001. The family lives in Bronxville, New York.

Goodell and Skinner met in 1995 when they were both working in New York City. Skinner was a reporter for WNBC-TV at the time, while Goodell was the president of NFL Europe. They dated for two years before getting married in a small ceremony at Skinner’s parents’ home in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Skinner retired from Fox News in 2010, after working there for 12 years as an anchor and correspondent. She said she wanted to spend more time with her family and pursue other interests. She has since been involved in various charitable and educational causes, such as serving on the board of trustees of Northwestern University, her alma mater.

Roger Goodell Controversies: What Are Some of the Criticisms He Faces?

Roger Goodell has faced many criticisms and controversies during his tenure as the NFL commissioner. Some of the most notable ones are:

• The handling of the Washington Football Team investigation into workplace harassment. Goodell has been accused of covering up the findings of the probe, which allegedly revealed widespread misconduct and abuse by team owner Dan Snyder and other executives. Goodell has refused to release the full report of the investigation, citing confidentiality agreements with the witnesses. He has also defended Snyder’s punishment, which consisted of a $10 million fine and a temporary removal from day-to-day operations. Many former employees, fans, lawmakers, and advocates have called for more transparency and accountability from Goodell and the NFL on this matter.
• The handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence case. Goodell was criticized for initially suspending Rice, a former Baltimore Ravens running back, for only two games after he was arrested for assaulting his then-fiancée (now wife) Janay Palmer in an elevator in 2014. The suspension was increased to an indefinite ban after a video of the incident surfaced online, showing Rice knocking Palmer unconscious with a punch. Goodell claimed he had not seen the video before imposing the original suspension, but later admitted he had made a mistake and apologized. Rice appealed his ban and won his case in arbitration, but he never played in the NFL again.
• The handling of the Colin Kaepernick national anthem protest. Goodell was criticized for not supporting Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who started kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Goodell said he respected Kaepernick’s right to express his views, but also said he preferred players to stand for the anthem. He also denied that Kaepernick was being blackballed by the league for his activism, despite evidence that he was being ignored by teams despite his talent and experience. In 2019, Goodell arranged a workout for Kaepernick to showcase his skills to potential employers, but it turned into a fiasco after a dispute over the terms and location of the event.
• The handling of the Deflategate scandal. Goodell was criticized for suspending Tom Brady, a former New England Patriots quarterback (now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), for four games in 2015 for allegedly being involved in a scheme to deflate footballs below the league’s standards during the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts earlier that year. Goodell also fined the Patriots $1 million and stripped them of two draft picks for their role in the scandal. Brady appealed his suspension and won his case in federal court, but later dropped his legal challenge after an appeals court reinstated it. Goodell maintained that he had acted within his authority and that he had followed a fair process.

Roger Goodell’s Achievements: What Are Some of His Successes?

Despite facing many challenges and criticisms, Roger Goodell has also achieved many successes as the NFL commissioner. Some of them are:

• Securing lucrative media rights deals with various networks and platforms. In March 2021, Goodell announced that the NFL had reached new long-term agreements with ESPN/ABC, Amazon, CBS, NBC, and Fox to broadcast its games through the 2033 season

• The deals are worth a combined $113 billion, a 75% increase from the previous contracts. They also include expanded digital streaming rights, such as Amazon becoming the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football, and ESPN+ gaining access to one international game per season.
• Enhancing the league’s diversity and inclusion efforts. In 2020, Goodell announced a series of initiatives to address the lack of representation and opportunity for minorities and women in the NFL, especially in leadership and coaching positions. These include expanding the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coach and general manager vacancies, to include other senior positions such as coordinators and team presidents. The league also introduced incentives for teams that develop and hire minority candidates, such as compensatory draft picks. Additionally, Goodell pledged $250 million over 10 years to support social justice causes and combat systemic racism.
• Navigating the league through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Goodell faced the unprecedented challenge of managing the NFL season amid the global health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus. He implemented strict health and safety protocols for players, coaches, staff, and fans, such as frequent testing, contact tracing, mask-wearing9, social distancing, and limited attendance. He also adjusted the schedule and rules to accommodate outbreaks and postponements among teams, such as adding a 17th regular season game and expanding the playoff field to 14 teams. Despite some difficulties and controversies, Goodell was able to complete the season without canceling any games, culminating in Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, Florida, which was attended by 25,000 fans, including 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers.

Roger Goodell Conclusion: What Is His Legacy?

Roger Goodell is a polarizing figure in the world of sports. He has been praised for his vision and leadership in growing the NFL’s popularity and profitability, but also criticized for his handling of various issues and controversies. He has faced many challenges and pressures from different stakeholders, such as owners, players, fans, media, sponsors, and regulators. He has made some mistakes and missteps along the way, but also some achievements and successes.

Ultimately, Goodell’s legacy will depend on how he balances his role as the commissioner of the NFL with his responsibility as a steward of the game. He will have to continue to adapt and innovate in a changing and competitive environment, while also maintaining the integrity and values of the league. He will have to address the current and future challenges facing the NFL, such as player health and safety, social justice and equality, fan engagement and satisfaction, media rights and distribution, international expansion and development, and more.

Roger Goodell FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Roger Goodell and their answers:

How old is Roger Goodell?

Roger Goodell was born on February 19, 1959. He is 64 years old as of 2023.

Where is Roger Goodell from?

Roger Goodell was born in Jamestown, New York. He grew up in Bronxville, New York. His father was Charles Goodell, a former U.S. senator from New York.

Where did Roger Goodell go to college?

Roger Goodell graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1981 with a degree in economics.

How long has Roger Goodell been the NFL commissioner? Roger Goodell became the NFL commissioner on September 1, 2006. He has been in office for nearly 17 years as of 2023.

How much power does Roger Goodell have?

Roger Goodell has a lot of power as the NFL commissioner. He has broad authority to make decisions on behalf of the league and its owners on various matters related to the game’s operations and management. He can also impose fines, suspensions, or other penalties on players, coaches, teams, or other personnel for violating the league’s rules or policies.

How popular is Roger Goodell? Roger Goodell is not very popular among many NFL fans. According to a poll conducted by Morning Consult in February 2021, only 29% of NFL fans had a favorable opinion of him, while 38% had an unfavorable opinion of him. His popularity also varies by team affiliation: he is more liked by fans of teams that have won Super Bowls under his tenure (such as the Patriots or Buccaneers), than by fans of teams that have suffered losses or controversies under his tenure (such as the Saints or Raiders).