Roger Goodell became the commissioner of the NFL in 2006 after a selection process following the retirement of then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Goodell had a long career within the NFL, starting as an administrative intern in 1982 and rising through various roles including assistant to the president of the American Football Conference and executive vice president and chief operating officer of the NFL by 2001. His extensive experience in football operations and league business made him a natural successor
. The selection process involved multiple rounds of voting by NFL team owners. Goodell was one of several candidates, and after several ballots, he narrowly won on the fifth ballot with the necessary two-thirds majority, defeating his closest competitor, Gregg Levy. The Oakland Raiders abstained from voting in each round. Goodell officially assumed office on September 1, 2006, succeeding Tagliabue
. Goodell's rise to commissioner was also attributed to his education, career achievements, and his reputation within the league. He had been deeply involved in league operations, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements and overseeing football operations and officiating
. His appointment marked a seamless transition and continuation of NFL leadership.
