NFL Commissioners and Presidents

In 2006, Roger Goodell was chosen as the eighth NFL Commissioner in National Football League history.

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.

Jim Thorpe President 1920 HOF Bio >>>	Joe Carr President 1921-1939 HOF Bio >>>	Carl Storck President 1939-1941	Elmer Layden Commissioner 1941-46
Bert Bell Commissioner 1946-1959 HOF Bio >>>	Pete Rozelle Commissioner 1960-1989 HOF Bio >>>	Paul Tagliabue Commissioner 1989-2006 HOF Bio >>>	Roger Goodell Commissioner 2006-present
*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).