Goodell discusses Swift, Super Bowl
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 sour.
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. These are going to be bigger events, more events,” 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 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.
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. “We want to take the techniques out that lead to injury.”
Roger Goodell 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.”