NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League is mourning the loss of former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who passed away this week. His successor, Commissioner Roger Goodell, released an emotional statement reflecting on Tagliabue’s leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact on the league.

“All of us in the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Tagliabue, whose principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success,” Goodell said. “Throughout his decades-long leadership on behalf of the NFL, first as outside counsel and then during a powerful 17-year tenure as commissioner, Paul served with integrity, passion, and an unwavering conviction to do what was best for the league.”

A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER AND VISIONARY

Tagliabue, who served as NFL Commissioner from 1989 to 2006, oversaw a period of unprecedented growth and stability in the league. During his tenure, he:

• Expanded the league to 32 teams,

• Fostered labor peace through successful collective bargaining agreements,

• Guided the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums, and

• Laid the foundation for the NFL’s global brand expansion.

Goodell highlighted Tagliabue’s pioneering efforts in modernizing league operations and embracing new technologies of his era, including cable, satellite, and the internet, which helped shape the NFL’s strategic growth for decades to come.

“Paul was the ultimate steward of the game—tall in stature, humble in presence, and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL,” Goodell added. “He viewed every challenge and opportunity through the lens of what was best for the greater good, a principle he inherited from Pete Rozelle and passed on to me.”

A LEGACY OF INTEGRITY, DIVERSITY, AND COMPASSION

Tagliabue’s leadership extended beyond the field. He was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, championing programs that opened doors for women and minorities in sports leadership. He also guided the NFL through some of the nation’s most challenging times, including the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, ensuring that the league remained a unifying force for communities nationwide.

“I am forever grateful and proud to have Paul as my friend and mentor,” Goodell said. “He helped shape me as an executive, but also as a man, husband, and father.”

Goodell and his wife, Jane, extended condolences to the Tagliabue family, including Paul’s wife of 60 years, Chan, and their children, Drew and Emily.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Osceola Magic (2-0) delivered a record-breaking performance Saturday night, defeating the Texas Legends (0-2) 144-112 at Osceola Heritage Park during Puerto Rican Heritage Night. The Magic set a new Tip-Off Tournament record for most points in a game (144), along with records for points in a quarter (45) and points in a half (89).

Robinson and Castleton Lead Magic’s Offensive Surge

In his first appearance with Osceola, Orlando Robinson made an immediate impact, posting a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double. Colin Castleton also tallied 25 points on an impressive 77% shooting from the field.
For the Legends, Miles Kelly led with 20 points, while Jamarion Sharp added 16 on 7-of-8 shooting. Despite leading by as many as 13 points in the first half, Texas couldn’t keep pace with Osceola’s second-half surge.

Smart Ignites Fourth-Quarter Run; Upcoming Theme Nights Announced

Trailing by four at halftime, the Magic stormed back in the third quarter to take a 100-89 lead into the final frame. Javonte Smart sparked the offense off the bench, scoring 15 of his 23 points in just eight minutes, going a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range in the fourth quarter.

Up Next:

• School Day Game (Presented by Jostens) – Thursday, November 13 vs. Mexico City Capitanes, Tipoff: 11 a.m.

• Military Appreciation Night (Presented by Krush Brau Park) – Friday, November 14 vs. Birmingham Squadron. The first 1,000 fans will receive an Osceola Magic military-themed pint glass.

Head Coach Dylan Murphy praised his team’s resilience:

“It’s really hard to beat the same team twice in a row, especially on a back-to-back. Orlando Robinson joined us after practicing with us, but there’s still a little bit of that clunkiness to get through. The guys fought, defended really well in the second half, and that fueled our offense.”

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Osceola Magic (1-0) tipped off the 2025-26 NBA G League season in commanding fashion, defeating the Texas Legends (0-1) 134-113 on Friday night at Osceola Heritage Park.

Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News

Orlando Magic two-way player Colin Castleton powered Osceola’s offense, leading all scorers with 27 points on 12-of-20 shooting and securing a game-high 13 rebounds. The Magic’s efficient scoring and defensive pressure set the tone early, thrilling the home crowd of 2,035 fans on opening night.

CASTLETON AND QUIÑONES LEAD OFFENSIVE SURGE

For Texas, Miles Kelly tallied 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, while Dalano Banton added 18 points as one of six double-figure scorers for the Legends.

Osceola’s returning core—Alex Morales, Javonte Smart, and Colin Castleton—provided leadership and balance, while the team’s newcomers stole the show.

• Lester Quiñones impressed in his debut with 25 points, shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range.

• Two-way player Jamal Cain contributed 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, showcasing his efficiency inside.

• Justin Minaya fueled the team’s defensive energy, recording five steals, three of which led directly to fast-break dunks.

MAGIC SET FOR PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE NIGHT

Up Next:
The Magic will face the Texas Legends again on Saturday, November 8, at 7 p.m. ET, continuing their homestand at Osceola Heritage Park.

The game will feature Puerto Rican Heritage Night, celebrating cultural pride and community connection. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a special Puerto Rican-themed hat, courtesy of Publix.

Head Coach Dylan Murphy praised the team’s effort and chemistry:

“Our buy-in level right now is really high from a team perspective. We have a lot of guys who’ve been high-level G League and NBA players. We showed a willingness to share the ball, defend, and do the little things. We know we have the talent—it’s about those other things, and I thought we did that really well tonight.”

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Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com