The Japan Times - NFL commissioner Goodell gets extension through March 2027

The 64-year-old son of a former US lawmaker, Goodell was elected to replace the retiring Paul Tagliabue as commissioner 17 years ago after serving a variety of jobs with the NFL since starting as an intern in 1982.

"I'm obviously honored to do this job," Goodell said Wednesday after the conclusion of meetings in New York. "It's not going to change how I'm approaching my day-to-day job and it hasn't to date."

It marked the fourth extension for Goodell after new deals in 2009, 2012 and 2017. His tenure will cover at least 21 years as commissioner and 45 years with the NFL.

"If I was focusing on my legacy, I wouldn't be standing in front of you," Goodell told reporters. "I wouldn't have signed an extension.

"My job is to be commissioner of the National Football League. Do the best I can, and that's what I'm going to do. You guys can decide legacies later. That's not what I'm focused on. I'm focused on what we can accomplish as a league."

The league's global opportunities for playing games outside US markets and boosting the NFL's worldwide profile are among the projects Goodell wants to address in the coming years.

"From my standpoint, there's still a number of things we want to do as a league," Goodell said. "There are lot of challenges out there but there are also a lot of opportunities for us and we're focused on how we make the NFL better every day, how we become a global sport.

"I think some very exciting things are happening in that context and I feel really good about where the NFL is today, but we don't sit around and tell ourselves that. We really shouldn't and we really focus on what are the things we need to do."

- Olympics 'significant' -

Goodell didn't rule out staying as commissioner longer if possible.

"I signed a three-year extension. That's what I'm going to do," Goodell said. "We'll see what the future holds. I'm not making any commitments other than the next three years."

Goodell guided the NFL through the Covid-19 pandemic without any games being wiped out and has overseen safety moves with rules and equipment to make the sport safer.

Goodell called the addition of flag football as an official sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics a "very significant" move for the sport.

"I think now to put it on that stage -- the Olympic stage -- is really putting a seal of approval," Goodell said.

"Frankly, it's going to be a stage where I think a lot of athletes are going to want to participate, including former and current NFL players.

"So we're going to have to work through all that. But I think it's a great opportunity for the athletes. I think it's a great opportunity for the NFL."

K.Tanaka--JT