NFL

Commissioner Roger Goodell Holds Press Conference At NFL December Meeting In Dallas

Published

8 years ago

December 13, 2017

FNN SPORTS

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference. Photo: Bob Leverone / AP

DALLAS (FNN SPORTS) – Commissioner Roger Goodell held a press conference at the NFL December meeting in Dallas, Texas.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Statement

Roger Goodell: Good afternoon. We had a very productive and excellent session today. I’m sure you will ask questions about that and I’ll be happy to answer those. In addition, we had a lot of focus over the last couple of weeks on the game. Coming into Week 15, we’re all excited about where the state of the game is and the competition on the field. Frankly, to me, the fact that of our eight divisions, six of them are led by a team that was in third or fourth place last year, that really indicates the competitive quality that exists in our league. I think that is exciting. It’s exciting for our fans, it’s exciting for us. It is sometimes difficult on teams, but this is something we strive for and we’re very excited by.

On your extension – what are you feeling on the process? On this being your last contract, what does this mean going forward?

RG: On the subject of this being my last contract, I haven’t made any determinations. This is something where I’m looking forward. I’m looking forward to the challenges. Our league is in a great position but we obviously have challenges just like any other industry. We are excited about addressing those as a league, and I think we are doing that from a position of strength. As far as the process, that is how we operate in the league. We have different views that makes us stronger. I respect that. I respect Jerry. I respect everyone else in that room. They all have strong views about the way we do things and that is what has made us successful over the years.

On your relationship with Jerry Jones:

RG: My relationship with Jerry has been great. We don’t always agree. I’m not paid to agree and he’s not paid to agree with me. That is, again, what the strength of our league is. As a league, we are stronger when 32 teams are together. We have our differences but we work together to try to solve those differences and address them in a way that is responsible. I think we have done that.

Did you lead Jerry to believe in any way that Ezekiel Elliott would get no suspension?

RG: No.

On league suspensions & player discipline off the field – do you feel the need to revamp how you do that?

RG: We have discussed this with our Players’ Association. I told the ownership this earlier today. I can remember the first meeting, it was June 2012, less than a year after we completed our CBA – let’s address the way we are dealing with discipline. There are better ways to do this and we just haven’t come to an agreement on that. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of focus on that, but the reality is there are very few circumstances. They get a lot of attention, I understand that, but that is something I’m sure will come up in the context of the next CBA. We have always been willing to consider that.

On the longevity and the rigors of this job, when is ‘enough’?

RG: I’ve never thought of it in that context until just now. The job changes. I think the challenges are different now. I worked as the Chief Operating Officer for Paul [Tagliabue] for several years. I knew Pete Rozelle quite well and worked for him, also. I think there is a limit to how many years you should serve in this, but that’s a determination that’s made with the ownership and also by yourself and your family. That’s something that we’ve done. I’m prepared and ready to go.

On attendance update at this point & any data to suggest fan reaction to anthem protests:

RG: Our attendance is off by one percent. We are over 98 percent filled to capacity, which is about where we’ve been in the past. We have three teams that have either recently gone through transitions or are playing in temporary facilities so that’s something that we knew we were going to have to deal with going forward. I’d also tell you that there are a lot of changes going on in the marketplace with respect to events. I just met with our longtime partner TicketMaster about the way tickets are sold for our sports and entertainment events. That’s why we entered into a new deal with them recently to try to be able to address those. Secondary ticketing – all those issues are affecting the ways our events are being held, the way we sell them, and we’ve often said that one of our big challenges is making sure that in-stadium experience continues to be outstanding. As technology gets better, the at-home experience gets better. They can view it on different platforms. They don’t have to do it at home, they can do it via mobile. That’s why we’ve moved into Verizon to try to make our games more accessible to and across carriers.

On the NFL Network sexual harassment allegations:

RG: We take that very seriously. Those are issues that are important to us. We want to make sure that all of our employees, whether at the NFL Network or at the league office or at clubs, are working in a safe and comfortable environment. Any time that doesn’t exist, we are going to make sure that we deal with that very quickly and very seriously.

On there being a investigation into the NFL Network sexual harassment allegations:

RG: Yes. Absolutely. It is a matter of litigation.

On the contingency element introduced into the Commissioner’s contract by Jerry Jones; is it emblematic of a rift going forward?

RG: Do I look like I take it personally? Jerry, do I look like I take it personally? [pointing to Jerry who was in the room]. No is the answer to that questions. As I have said before, I think people disagree. People who have the ability to do that within the context of our structure is something that makes us stronger.

On changes to the structure of the league office:

RG: We are always working to try and make our league office more efficient and more effective in order to perform at a higher level. The things that we are asked to do now are different things that we were asked to do in the past. The environment that we are all operating in is different. We always look to improve, that is a constant for us. We will make whatever changes we think are necessary to improve.

On changing the guidelines of how the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee is selected. Why are you supportive of that and why do you think that is needed?

RG: I’d back up. In the past, the Compensation Committee was determined by the Commissioner. A few years ago, I changed that. I said that I would appoint a Chairman and that the Chairman would appoint the remainder of the committee. In the context of all of this, if there a better way of selecting the Compensation Committee, I am certainly open to that if the membership approves it. It is fine with me.

Up Next

Shorthanded Magic Fall at Home to Clippers

Don't Miss

AutoNation Cure Bowl Awards Bryan Williams, Tyler Witt and Jamie Seh as Community Service Soldiers

Click to comment

Jacksonville

Jaguars Lose Second of the Season to the Seahawks 20-12

Published

3 weeks ago

October 12, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) lost to the Seattle Seahawks (4-2) 20-12 at EverBank Stadium today. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence was sacked seven times during the game.

The Jaguars were the first to score, on a Trevor Lawrence 21 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr. K Cam Little missed his first ever point after touchdown, so the Jaguars were up 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. Little had held a perfect record of making his extra points, not just with the Jags, but even in college and high school.

In the second quarter, K Jason Myers kicked a 24 yard field goal for the Seahawks. Seattle added a 61 yard touchdown pass from QB Sam Darnold to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and with Myers’ XP, the Seahawks were up 10-6. Cam Little missed a 50 yard field goal attempt for the Jaguars with a minute to go before the half. Myers added a 53 yard field goal shortly after, to put the Seahawks ahead 13-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Vikings added another touchdown pass by Darnold for 11 yards to WR Cooper Kupp, followed by Myers’ XP. Late in the quarter, a Trevor Lawrence 54 yard touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. was nullified by an offside penalty called against rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter. The Seahawks led 20-6 at the end of the third quarter.

On the first drive of the fourth, Trevor Lawrence completed a 26 yard touchdown pass to WR Tim Patrick, but WR Bhayshul Tuten missed a two point conversion attempt, to narrow the Jags’ deficit to 20-12. Myers later made a 27 yard field goal for Seattle that was reversed because of a holding penalty by the Jaguars’ DE Dawuane Smoot, but the final score remained 20-12.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 258 passing yards and 2 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 27 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 90 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 61,056.

Earlier this week, the Jaguars traded CB Tyson Campbell and a seventh round 2026 draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for CB Greg Newsome II and a sixth round 2026 pick.

The Jaguars helped to spread the word about fighting cancer through early detection and risk reduction as part of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative. Pink ribbons were handed out to fans before the game in the Fan Entertainment Zone, along with customizable “I Stand For” signs, in support of those who have been impacted by cancer.

Jaguars help spread the word about fighting cancer through the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

The Jaguars travel to London to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Wembley Stadium. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. The Jags have a bye week after that followed by road games against the Raiders and the Texans before returning to EverBank Stadium on Nov. 16 to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Come From Behind to Beat Chiefs Monday Night 31-28

Published

4 weeks ago

October 6, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars vs. Chiefs in Monday Night Football Action (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) came back late in the game to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) 31-28. Today’s game marked the Jaguars’ 13th Monday Night Football appearance in Jacksonville, improving their all-time MNF record to 8-5 at home.

ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown Crew Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

The Chiefs were the first to put points on the board, with a QB Patrick Mahomes 2 yard touchdown pass to TE Travis Kelce, followed by the extra point from K Harrison Butker. The score remained 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, the Jaguars went for it on 4th and 1, but QB Trevor Lawrence was called for fumbling the ball as he tried to run up the middle for a touchdown. Officials reviewed the play which looked like a possible touchdown on the stadium replay, but the fumble ruling stood. On the next series, the Chiefs’ drive finished with Mahomes running 9 yards for a touchdown, followed by another Butker XP. But Lawrence’s 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by K Cam Little’s extra point narrowed the gap. Just before halftime, LB Foye Oluokun got his 500th tackle as a Jaguar. The Chiefs led 14-7 heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, fans cheered loudly when Jaguars two-way rookie phenom WR Travis Hunter caught a 44 yard pass from Trevor Lawrence. Hunter followed with a 1 yard reception, but the scoring drive ended four plays later as Lawrence ran 10 yards for a touchdown followed by Little’s XP, tying the game. Late in the third quarter, LB Devin Lloyd intercepted a Patrick Mahomes pass and ran it 99 yards for a “pick six,” followed by Little’s XP, putting the Jags ahead 21-14.

In the fourth, a Trevor Lawrence pass intended for Parker Washington was intercepted by CB Trent McDuffie. That set up Chiefs’ RB Kareem Hunt, who ran up the middle for a 5 yard touchdown, followed by Butker’s XP to tie the game. Cam Little’s 52 yard field goal later put the Jags up 24-21. But Hunt ran for another 2 yard touchdown, and with Butker’s XP, the Chiefs pulled ahead 28-24, with just 1:45 remaining. Trevor Lawrence wowed the crowd leading an impressive drive downfield. A pass interference call set up a Trevor Lawrence 1 yard touchdown run, and with Little’s XP, the Jaguars pulled ahead 31-28 with just 23 seconds to go. The Chiefs were unable to score on a Patrick Mahomes end of the game Hail Mary, securing the Jaguars’ victory.

Donna Kelce came to Jacksonville to see her sons. Travis plays for the Chiefs, while Jason is now part of ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown crew. Mama Kelce also wore a Taylor Swift inspired cap, in support of her future daughter-in-law.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 221 passing yards and one TD. Travis Etienne Jr. Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars’ rushing with 54 yards and two TDs. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 80 yards. Today’s attendance was 69,329.

Also at today’s game, the Jaguars showed off the first part of their major stadium renovations. The first of four new grand staircases opened, leading fans to the main concourse. Construction on the Jaguars’ $1.4 billion dollar Stadium of the Future will continue through August 2028. Click here to see video of the official opening of the new grand staircase: Grand Staircase

The Jaguars take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1:00 p.m. The Jags then travel to London to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Wembley Stadium. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Topple Titans in Final Home Game of the Season

Published

10 months ago

December 29, 2024

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) beat the Tennessee Titans (3-13) 20-13 on a rainy afternoon, as Jacksonville remained under a tornado watch for much of the game. Today’s game was the team’s annual “fan appreciation game,” celebrating the fans’ support of the Jaguars all season long, and for the past 30 years.

The Jaguars’ first drive ended with a 48 yard K Cam Little field goal. But neither team managed to score during the rest of the first quarter, as the score remained 3-0.

In the second quarter, Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd intercepted a QB Mason Rudolph pass intended for RB Julius Chestnut, which excited the hometown fans. The Jags capitalized on that opportunity, as QB Mac Jones threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, to extend their lead to 10-0. Little later added a 44 yard field goal, but the Titans scored their first points of the game at the end of the second quarter on K Matthew Wright’s 39 yard field goal. The Jaguars were ahead 13-3 at the half.

QB Mac Jones and QB Mason Rudolph (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Midway through the third quarter, Mason Rudolph completed a 8 yard touchdown pass to TE Nick Vannett, followed by Matthew Wright’s extra point, narrowing the Jags’ lead to 13-10, which remained the score heading into the fourth.

Midway through the fourth, Mac Jones found WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown, followed by Little’s XP, to put them ahead 20-10. Matthew Wright’s 28 yard field goal moved the Titans within a touchdown at 20-13, just before the two-minute warning. The Titans had one final drive to score, but were stopped by the Jaguars defense.

DE Travon Walker’s sack today moved him into the top 10 in franchise history with 23.0, breaking his tie with Marcus Stroud and Bobby McCray. Brian Thomas Jr. also tied WR Randy Moss’ NFL rookie record of eight games with at least 60 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Mac Jones finished with 174 yards and two TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 49 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 91 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 61,995.

The Jaguars head to Indianapolis to face the Colts on Sunday, 1/5. Kickoff time has not yet been announced for this final game of the season. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.