SAN JOSE, CA -- The NFL has established the Paul J. Tagliabue NFL Academic Excellence Award to honor the impact and legacy of the longtime NFL Commissioner and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
The award was announced earlier today by current Commissioner Roger Goodell at his annual Super Bowl press conference in San Jose, CA.
Tagliabue, who died last November, was NFL Commissioner from 1989-2006. He attended Georgetown University on a basketball scholarship and graduated on the Dean's List in 1962 when he was team captain, president of his senior class and a Rhodes Scholar Finalist. His outstanding academic record led to a full scholarship at the prestigious New York University School of Law, where he graduated in 1965.
"Paul's principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success. Throughout his life, he never stopped learning," Goodell said. "It's fitting that this award in his name will celebrate and honor the highest standard of academic achievement of NFL players whom he championed during and after his time at the league office."
The award annually will be presented to an active NFL player who epitomized Tagliabue's scholarship and academic excellence. Many NFL players have earned undergraduate and/or graduate degrees during their collegiate days or have continued their studies while playing in the league. More than half of NFL players hold undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, and many players return to the classroom in the offseason, continuing their education utilizing the NFL's tuition reimbursement benefit.
"Our son Drew, daughter Emily, and I deeply appreciate this league award in Paul's honor," said Chan Tagliabue, his wife of 60 years. "He had a tremendous love of academic learning throughout his life, and that's a legacy that again will be acknowledged through this NFL award. I believe Paul would be proud to have this honor in his name."
The first recipient of the Tagliabue NFL Academic Excellence Award will be named during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles at the conclusion of the 2026 season. A donation in his honor will be made by the NFL Foundation to an academic institution of his choosing. The selection panel will include NFL Legends who themselves excelled in their studies while in college.
