NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the state of the league, criticisms, and the increased popularity of the nation’s most popular sports during an interview aired Wednesday on CBS Mornings.
Goodell has been the top executive of the NFL since 2006 and signed a contract extension last month that will keep him in the job until March 2027.
During an interview with former NFL player turned broadcaster Nate Burleson, the 64-year-old Goodell talked about many topics including Taylor Swift, Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas, and player safety.
Roger Goodell on the state of the NFL
Goodell says the state of the league is good going forward because the fans want to see more football, with more events, such as the international series being played overseas in countries such as England and Germany. According to Forbes, the NFL took in an all-time high of $12 billion in revenue in 2022, and the television ratings continue to soar.
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Super Bowl 57 between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs was the most-watched television program in history.
‘I think people want more football. But I think it’s all calculated. They are intentional to give people bigger events, more events and to gather around football.’ he said.
Roger Goodell on Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas, sports betting
This year’s Super Bowl will take place on Feb. 11 from Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
‘It’s a challenge on one hand,’ Goodell said, but acknowledged its impact because of the fan support in the league’s newest market, which is synonymous with sports betting.
Goodell reiterated that any employee who bets on NFL games will be punished. Ten players this year have been suspended for either betting on NFL games or placing bets while at a league facility.
‘That’s going to be dealt with very severe discipline. That goes for everyone in the league. Don’t bet on the NFL and don’t bet in our facilities,’ he said.
Roger Goodell on criticism that the NFL is soft
Sometimes the league has been referred to as the ‘No Fun League’ due to the many rules that concern player safety, but Goodell says those rules are in place for a reason.
For those who criticize the play on the field, Goodell has a message for those people.
‘I invite them to come down to the field and play,’ Goodell says. ‘I don’t think our game has ever been more physical, faster, stronger. Our players are more athletic than they have ever been. What we want to do is take the techniques out that lead to injuries. We can’t ask our officials to judge intention.’
Roger Goodell on on Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce
Goodell says he welcomes the extra attention the league is getting when Swift, is shown on broadcast whenever the Chiefs are playing because of the Grammy winner’s immense popularity.
Swift is dating Kansas City All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and has been shown numerous times when she is in attendance at one of his games.
‘They’re happy, they seem to be enjoying their relationship. That’s great in and of itself.’ Goodell said. ‘It has connected more fans of Taylor. She’s an unbelievable artist. He is an unbelievable player.’