Roger Goodell Speaks on the NFL’s Hot Topics at Super Bowl Press Conference
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke at length during his Super Bowl press conference, covering everything from the league’s competitiveness and international growth to officiating, diversity, ownership matters, and long-term league planning.
League Competitiveness
Goodell said the 2025 season was the most competitive year the league has seen, pointing to the fact that 70% of games came down to the 4th quarter. He added that he doesn’t see how the game can get better from a competitive standpoint, highlighting how tight games were across the league week after week.
International and Global Expansion
International expansion remains a major focus for the NFL. Goodell confirmed there will be nine international games next season, including a December game in Mexico City. He said players love playing internationally and feel like ambassadors for the league when they do.
Goodell reiterated the long-term goal of having 16 international games, with every team eventually playing outside of the United States.
Technology and Officiating
Goodell emphasized the importance of continuing to embrace technology, mentioning innovations such as the electric first-down marker. He called it an efficient tool that can help officials do their jobs more effectively. He also said AI could be a huge opportunity to implement for referees in the future.
When asked what the next steps might be, Goodell said he’s “amazed at how good their officials are,” adding that they prove over and over that they are great at what they do. He also mentioned the idea of allowing referees to throw their own flags to challenge plays that may need a second look.
Rooney Rule and Diversity
Goodell addressed diversity and the Rooney Rule after zero Black coaches were hired out of 10 head coaching openings this cycle. He acknowledged the lack of results but maintained his stance on the importance of diversity.
“We’re in a competitive league. There were 10 openings this year. Teams are trying to get the coach they think could win,” Goodell said.
He added, “Diversity is good for us. … We’re reevaluating everything we’re doing. … Why didn’t we have the results this year? What is it that we can be doing?”
Goodell emphasized that he is not giving up on diversity or the Rooney Rule and believes more progress still needs to be made.
18-Game Season
On the topic of an 18-game regular season, Goodell said there have been no formal discussions and very little formal conversation about making that change. He said it’s not a given, and the league is not assuming it will get done.
Goodell added that if the league were to move in that direction, it would need to ensure proper safety measures are in place, including the possibility of two bye weeks.
Epstein Files and Giants Ownership
Goodell was asked about Giants co-owner Steve Tisch being named in the Epstein files. He said the NFL is going to look into all the facts surrounding the situation.
“Absolutely, we are going to look at all the facts,” Goodell said.
He added, “We’ll continue to follow any of the facts that come up and will determine we open an investigation or not based on those facts.”
Regarding any potential discipline under the personal conduct policy, Goodell cautioned against jumping to conclusions, saying not to get ahead of the process and that the league will take it one step at a time.
Seahawks Sale
Goodell also gave a non-answer on the status of a potential Seahawks sale from the Paul G. Allen Estate. He denied a Wall Street Journal report that the league fined the team $5M for not selling yet.
“I think when Paul Allen passed away, it was made clear that the team would eventually be sold. Jody is doing a great job. … Eventually, the team will need to be sold. That will be Jody’s decision when she does that,” Goodell said.
Goodell reiterated that, as has been the case for some time, the Seahawks will be sold at some point.
Bill Belichick and the Hall of Fame
Goodell was asked about Bill Belichick not making the Hall of Fame and whether he should feel guilty due to his role in punishing Belichick during Spygate, which has been rumored as a reason for the snub.
Goodell said the NFL has zero involvement in the Hall of Fame voting process and that Belichick deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
NIL and College Football
When asked if NIL is a threat to the NFL, Goodell said the league doesn’t have a role and isn’t involved. He said eligibility rules benefit players staying in college for at least three years before entering the NFL.
Goodell added that clarity is needed regarding NIL and extra eligibility years, but said the NFL will stay in its lane unless invited to be part of the solution.
Bad Bunny and the Super Bowl Platform
Goodell was also asked about Bad Bunny’s anti-ICE statements and whether he’s concerned about artists using the Super Bowl platform to make political statements. Goodell called Bad Bunny one of the great artists of the world and praised his understanding of the moment.
“He understood the platform he was on. This platform is used to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talent, and to be able to use this moment to do that. I think artists in the past have done that. I think Bad Bunny understands that and I think he’ll have a great performance.”