It was in complete disarray under Tagliabue. Franchises moving all over the country on a whim for starters.
So, is it your position that Tagliabue was not a contributor to the obvious growth in popularity and revenue that the NFL experienced during his tenure but that Goodell is?
As for teams moving all over the country on a whim, the team movement was confined to 1995-1997. As distasteful as it was, the long the term effects have been positive for the league. The teams that moved did so under better financial terms and have been successful in the new markets they established. The league was able to backfill the vacated locations (with notable exception of Los Angeles) again under far better financial arrangements. The result has been – your metric here – growth in revenue and popularity
With respect to your list of Goodell’s accomplishments –
The 1st round of the draft moving to prime time
Noting this as a major accomplishment makes my point that there haven’t been many. By the way, does Tagliabue get any credit for the original idea to televise the draft beginning in 1980?
Thursday night game weekly
Ditto (further comment in next item below).
Increased emphasis on player safety
What choice did the league have? I’m not going to be critical of the commissioner here because this issue is at its infancy. It looms as the largest single threat to the NFL in its history and how Goodell leads on this will establish his legacy. However, one can understand if the players are skeptical when Goodell also is leading the charge on Thursday night games, advocacy of the 18 game season and expansion of the playoffs including games on Monday and Friday, initiatives that all have negative implications for player safety.
Successful resolution of a lawsuit which could have completely destroyed the league as we know it
The lawsuit is far from resolved (
Settlement details in NFL concussion lawsuit may concern players - ESPN). It is only binding on those who are a party to it and does nothing to prevent future litigation. Not Goodell’s fault, but this is the beginning rather than the end of this issue. A proclamation of victory is premature to say the least. Lawsuits related to player safety will only become more frequent over time.
Increased emphasis on punishing player misconduct off the field
Many players see the process as haphazard and arbitrary. Like it or not, there is a trust issue here and many players simply do not trust Goodell. I think he overshot the mark trying to establish himself as the tough new guy. I hope that with experience he will be able to smooth out the bumps in the road because this is important.
New CBA without a single regular season game missed
My recollection is that was not Roger who got the deal done. Rather, the agreement was brokered by moderate owners (Kraft and Mara) who were able to bridge the demands of the hard liner owners and the players. Not Roger’s fault (the owners who correctly perceived that they had enough leverage to win significant concessions from the union held out until the last minute), but I don’t give him much credit either.
Increased international exposure
Annual games in London? Again, not a huge accomplishment. He is doing the owners’ bidding here (nothing wrong with that) who are looking everywhere they can for avenues of growth.
New record breaking contracts with the networks
The next in a string of many, but unquestionably good for the game
In addition, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the labor dispute with the officials in 2012, a complete fiasco from start to finish and black mark for the NFL under Goodell's stewardship.
Goodell is likely less than halfway through his tenure. I think his performance to date is a mixed bag at best. He faces monumental challenges and time will tell whether he will be able to rise to the occasion.
Lastly -
I guess you don't follow football, so apparently I have to spell it out.
Not sure why gratuitous shots like this are necessary. I think it’s great if you want to argue Goodell’s case. It makes for a good discussion. Unfortunately, this comes across as antagonistic and condescending, reducing my interest in listening to your opinion. That’s too bad.
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