• Paul Tagliabue, former NFL commissioner, has died at the age of 84.
• He served as commissioner from 1989 to 2006, overseeing substantial growth in the league.
• Tagliabue was known for negotiating lucrative TV contracts and ensuring labor peace.
• He faced criticism for his handling of concussion protocols during his tenure.
• Tagliabue is survived by his wife and children.

Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL commissioner who guided the league for 17 years, died at the age of 84 due to complications from heart failure and Parkinson's disease, as confirmed by his family. He passed away at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, leaving behind his wife, Chandler, and two children, Drew and Emily, according to CBS News.

Serving as commissioner from 1989 until 2006, Tagliabue significantly transformed the NFL, bringing about financial prosperity and labor peace during his tenure. He did not oversee any labor stoppages and adeptly negotiated television contracts that resulted in billions added to the league's revenue. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed Tagliabue's death, highlighting his legacy in expanding the league and increasing its profitability, as reported by Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Tagliabue's leadership witnessed the introduction of critical policies, including a robust substance abuse framework and the "Rooney Rule," mandating that teams interview minority candidates for coaching positions. This initiative aimed to diversify the leadership within the league, increasing the number of minority head coaches from one to seven during his era, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

Despite his successes, Tagliabue faced criticism for not addressing concussions more decisively during his tenure. He expressed regret for previous comments about the issue and acknowledged the need for better data on head trauma, stating that his earlier remarks were "intemperate and led to serious misunderstanding." This introspection came in light of growing evidence linking head injuries to long-term health problems, as outlined by Los Angeles Times and NPR.

One of Tagliabue's notable decisions occurred after the September 11 attacks in 2001, when he canceled NFL games out of respect and acknowledgment of the national tragedy. This decision is often contrasted with his predecessor, Pete Rozelle's approach following the Kennedy assassination, showcasing a more sensitive leadership style during critical times, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.