Paul Tagliabue Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Paul Tagliabue Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

January 16, 2020

WASHINGTON—Covington is pleased to announce that former NFL Commissioner and longtime Covington senior counsel Paul Tagliabue has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

During Mr. Tagliabue’s tenure as Commissioner between 1989 and 2006, the League expanded from 28 to 32 teams; developed innovative models for player free agency and on-field competitive balance; grew the distribution of NFL games on broadcast, cable, and satellite television; introduced the NFL Network and new media arrangements; and secured the then largest television contracts in entertainment history. To support these initiatives, the League created a unique partnership with the NFL Players Association that included international growth, player health and safety, and financing more than 20 new stadiums. Mr. Tagliabue also led the NFL in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and in the efforts after Hurricane Katrina to keep the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans.

While at Covington from 1969 to 1989, Mr. Tagliabue represented the NFL, and with his Covington mentor, Ham Carothers, collaborated with senior leaders in the firm’s diverse practices to expand the firm’s Sports Practice Group, which is now consistently recognized among the best in the world.  After his retirement from the League, Mr. Tagliabue returned to Covington, where he continues to serve as senior counsel.

Mr. Tagliabue will be formally enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on August 8, 2020.