On August 8, 2006, Roger Goodell was chosen as the eighth NFL Commissioner in National Football League history. Less than one month later, he officially took charge starting at 6:00 a.m. on September 1.
The legendary Jim Thorpe, whose star status helped the game earn respect during its infancy, was named the first president of the National Football League (first known as the American Professional Football Association).
Three long-time leaders of the NFL – Joe Carr, Bert Bell, and Pete Rozelle – have earned election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their contributions to the game.
Here is a look at the men who have headed up the NFL since its founding at an automobile showroom in downtown Canton in 1920.
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Jim Thorpe
President
1920
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Joe Carr
President
1921-1939
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Carl Storck
President
1939-1941
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Elmer Layden
Commissioner
1941-46
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Bert Bell
Commissioner
1946-1959
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Pete Rozelle
Commissioner
1960-1989
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Paul Tagliabue
Commissioner
1989-2006
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Roger Goodell
Commissioner
2006-present
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| *NFL treasurer Austin Gunsel served as president in the office of the commissioner following the death of Bert Bell (Oct. 11, 1959) until the election of Pete Rozelle (Jan. 26, 1960). |