- Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago, according to ESPN
- READ: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye arrive in style in Detroit
- DailyMail.com provides the latest international sports news.
One of the biggest questions heading into Thursday’s NFL Draft was the status of Commissioner Roger Goodell’s traditional hugs with draftees.
As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago and, as he recovers, it was unclear whether he intended to hug Thursday in Detroit.
Goodell, famous for being booed by angry fans before every NFL Draft, is also known for welcoming players to the league with a firm hug.
In 2023, for example, former Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. lifted Goodell while hugging the commissioner after being taken by the Houston Texans.
The second and third rounds of this year’s draft will be announced by the team’s players and retirees on Friday before the draft concludes on Saturday.
NFL football commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd before the start of a football prospect clinic with Special Olympics athletes on Wednesday.
For the Detroit Lions, hosts of this year’s draft, Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson will be on hand to announce their selections.
Goodell has served as NFL commissioner since replacing Paul Tagliabue in 2006.
Last fall, he received an extension through March 2027.
A person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that Goodell’s deal includes extension or succession clauses. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because details were not disclosed.
Goodell’s current contract was set to expire in the spring of 2024.
“It really was pretty simple,” Goodell said. ‘It was just a matter of getting to it. It wasn’t much of an argument. “I obviously feel honored to do this job.”
Bryce Young hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2023
Financial terms of Goodell’s new contract were not immediately known. He reportedly earned $63.9 million during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
Under Goodell’s leadership, the NFL’s popularity and revenue have skyrocketed. The Washington Commanders sold for a record $6.05 billion earlier this year.
“I think it was unified, I think everyone was behind it and it just takes a while to do those things,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said of the extension. “I really think everyone is for it, everyone is excited and everyone recognizes the work that Roger has done. Like Paul Tagliabue, I think Roger will be in the Hall of Fame one day.”
Goodell has also faced intense scrutiny and criticism over the league’s handling of off-field issues involving players, including domestic violence, and the initial response to Colin Kaepernick’s call for social justice by kneel during the national anthem.
