NEW ORLEANS – NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at his annual Super Bowl Week press conference that people who believe Kansas City chiefs are receiving priority treatment from authorities are simply wrong.
“A lot of these theories happen on social media and have a new life. I understand that. I think it reflects a lot of the passion that our fans have,” Goodell said. “I think it’s also a reminder of how important the host is.”
Goodell said he believes that individuals calling NFL games have the highest possible standard for integrity.
“That’s an outrageous theory, and for those who might take it seriously,” Goodell said. “But at the end of the day, that’s something we have to keep working on. How do we always make our hosts better?”
Online Hoopra reminded Goodell that last year’s story last year, commissioners and others scripted the season from the League’s Park Avenue office in Manhattan, New York.
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“These officials are both outstanding people, both male and female, and they experience a lot and become officials,” Goodell said. “It’s a tough job, it’s really tough work. …I see a group of people who are more committed than NFL officials and do the best they can to get it right. I’ve never been. I’m extremely proud of them.”
The session, moderated by Curt Menefee, the host of Fox Sports, who provided some table setting talk points to Goodell lasted about 45 minutes. Menefy asked about the existence of Universal Sky Judges and how the league will become transparent.
“I think that’s something we’re continuing to work on. We’ll improve communication and educate it better,” Goodell said. “But we also use technology. …We want to use technology to compensate, support and help officials get it right.”
More plays may be available in “replay assists” (quickly decisions from officials who are not on the field with more camera angles access) after the league’s competition committee meets this offseason.
Whether that involves using technology to find football rather than human vision is an ongoing task, Goodell said.
The league tested that preseason and Goodell technology said the shape of football was complicated. NFL partners are working to move it forward as quickly as possible, and Goodell adds, the league is experimenting to determine if it can be used in the flow of the game.
This is six other takeaways from the Commissioner’s annual Super Bowl Week press conference.
Expanding the regular season to 18 games
The league and the NFL Players Association have yet to hold formal discussions on expanding the regular season, but Union Directors Lloyd Howell and Goodell are debating the possibility. As the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the league and the Union remains in effect throughout the 2030 season, there is no deadline for when a decision should be made.
“We know that fans love football. They want more football,” Goodell said. “But we have to be incredibly smart and sensitive in terms of balance and how we deal with it.”
Rooney Rules/Day
In the first two weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency and essentially since the November election, the implementation of diversity, equity and inclusive (DEI) policies has become a hot button issue.
Goodell had earned the benefits the league made in recruitment practices during his time as a commissioner.
“We felt that was the right thing for the (NFL),” Goodell said of his commitment to Day. “I think we have proven to ourselves that it improves the NFL.”
But in the face of the White House, which declared war against these initiatives, Goodell is confident that “we belong to everything we do.”
“Our policy is well designed within the scope of the design and in practice. Our system has no quota,” Goodell said. “This is about opening up that funnel and bringing the best talent to the NFL.”
The League Office has spoken multiple times with the NFL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee over the past six months, ensuring that NFL policies are up to date in both previous and current presidential administrations .
For Goodell and the League office, that’s not a trend.
“Our efforts are fundamental to trying to attract the best talent on and off the field,” he said.
However, teams like the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys were ridiculed for head coaching searches that didn’t seem to seriously adhere to the Rooney Rules.
“I think every step that’s done is followed up, evaluated and feels comfortable being done in the right way,” Goodell said of the Rooney rules.
On the subject of the coach declined to head coaching interviews, he said that it was not unusual because of fear that they were not serious candidates. Nevertheless, he encourages coaches to go through the process and gain experience in the field.
There was a candidate in the league’s office who expressed that they felt their candidacy was not legal, Goodell said. Slowing the process was a victory for the NFL, he added, and leveling out the arena between teams who are simultaneously looking for a new head coach.
Are you flagging your floping?
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomez drew the rage of opposition fans due to the suspicious penalties he portrayed against the Houston Texans in last month’s split round.
When asked whether the league would specifically set up a penalty for floping, the commissioner noted that it depends on the definition of the law. However, he pointed out that the league drew a line on players who fake injuries to stop the crime he has been rushing to. The Competition Committee has discussed floping in the past, saying, “They could probably talk about (floping) in the future, but they won’t surprise me.”
Justin Tucker
Goodell said in a Baltimore Banner report over the past week, he detailed the vehement Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who is suspected of sexual harassment and misconduct, vehemently denies the misconduct.
Goodell said it would adhere to its protocols to allow the league to carry out potential crimes or civil processes.
“We’re going to investigate these issues. They’re obviously serious,” Goodell said. “He takes it seriously, and so does us.”
International Super Bowl
With the number of international games likely to increase from 8 to 16, Goodell calmed expectations by saying the league has not reached 8 in 2025. Media rights are important to its expansion, and the league is open for business in that respect to both existing future broadcast and streaming partners.
The international Super Bowl only occurs when the league expands internationally.
“I think one day we’re going to do an international franchise,” Goodell said.
Saints’ Parish Report
Saints owner Gale Benson sat in the front row and Goodell asked about reports from Monday morning that the clergy had counselled local Catholic church leaders in the wake of a clergy child sexual abuse scandal. did.
“Mrs. Benson and the Saints are very involved in this city, and they are great corporate citizens,” Goodell said. “So Mrs. Benson takes all these issues seriously, especially for those who have the Catholic ties she is.”
Goodell considered it an issue with the FBI and local law enforcement, and introduced the details in Benson’s previous statement and published emails.
This story has been updated to include new information.