Roger Goodell is cautioned against embracing players at the 2024 NFL Draft due to a recent back surgery
- Watch all the action in the NFL Draft – Round 1 LIVE blog from DailyMail.com
- According to ESPN, Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago
- READ: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye arrive in Detroit in style
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
One of the biggest questions coming into Thursday’s NFL Draft was the status of commissioner Roger Goodell’s traditional hugs with draftees.
As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago, and while he was recovering, it was unclear whether he planned to hug in Detroit on Thursday.
Goodell, who is famously booed by angry fans before every NFL Draft, is also known for welcoming players to the league with a big hug.
For example, in 2023, former Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. lifted Goodell up as he hugged the commissioner after being taken by the Houston Texans.
The second and third rounds of this year’s draft will be announced by team players and retirees on Friday before the draft ends on Saturday.
NFL Football Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd before the start of a Play Football Prospect Clinic with Special Olympics athletes, Wednesday
For the Detroit Lions, who are hosting this year’s draft, Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson will be on hand to announce the picks.
Goodell has been commissioner of the NFL since taking over from Paul Tagliabue in 2006.
Last fall, he received an extension through March 2027.
A person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that Goodell’s deal includes extension or succession clauses. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because details were not released.
Goodell’s current contract was set to expire in the spring of 2024.
“It was actually very simple,” Goodell said. “It was just a matter of getting to it. It wasn’t really a discussion. I am of course honored to be able to do this work.’
Bryce Young hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2023
The financial terms of Goodell’s new contract were not immediately known. He reportedly earned $63.9 million for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
Under Goodell’s leadership, the NFL’s popularity and revenues have soared. The Washington Commanders were sold earlier this year for a record $6.05 billion.
“I think it was a unity, I think everyone was behind it and it’s going to take a while to get those things done,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said of the expansion. ‘I really think everyone is in favor, everyone is enthusiastic and everyone recognizes the work that Roger has done. Like Paul Tagliabue, I think Roger will be in the Hall of Fame one day.”
Goodell has also faced intense criticism over the league’s handling of off-the-field issues involving players, including domestic violence and the initial response to Colin Kaepernick’s call for social justice by kneeling during the national anthem.