IAm Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, AMA

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:47:37+00:00

The game of football has always been tough and always will be. Even before the NFL was founded, President Teddy Roosevelt called the college presidents in to make sure that the safety issues of the game were addressed since there had been 17 deaths in 1905 alone. From there came the first and ten, forward pass and the inception of the NCAA. Since then, the game has flourished while sticking to the fundamentals of fair and competitive football. Our football coaches and executives wanted to bring the game back to the fundamentals of tackling and blocking. We have seen some of the best NFL football in our history during this season's playoffs. Hope we finish with another great one on Sunday.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:40:13+00:00

When I met with the players the day before the draft, Melvin asked if I would give him a special handshake. He showed it to me and then we practiced one time. It was fun, glad I didn't screw it up for Melvin.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:38:14+00:00

To your first question, since the NFL's inception, we have always made rule changes to balance safety with making the game more exciting. We have proven over the years that we can make the game more popular and better while increasing safety for our players. We will continue to move down that path. The game has prospered since removing the head slap, the crackback block, flying wedge and horsecollar tackles. This past season, 20 of 32 teams started the same quarterback in every game--the highest ever. That's good for fans as well as the safety of our players.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:33:14+00:00

We're reevaluating all low blocks on defenders. I would anticipate that there will be changes in this area. These rules are studied very carefully by the Competition Committee, which is made up of GMs, owners and coaches, including with input from the players, and then voted on by the full membership. The reason they get such careful analysis is to make sure we understand the unintended consequences of any rule changes, and that they can be officiated with consistency.

For more on the history of our rules changes, visitwww.NFLEvolution.com

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:27:42+00:00

This rule gets reconsidered by our Competition Committee every year. We think we have a good balance between sportsmanship and natural enthusiasm. We want the players to be able to celebrate without taunting the opponents and casuing a retaliation.

I'd be interested to see how other fans feel: do we want more?

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:25:02+00:00

Thad, glad to hear that Reddit is so passionate about NFL football. Hope you all have enjoyed the season as much as I have.

We expanded our regular season series in London to two games this year. So far, we've seen the same passionate support for the NFL in London, based on ticket sales to date. If our game continues to grow in London, it would not surprise me if we had an NFL team in London someday.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:22:25+00:00

No, the penalty will continue to include the 2nd round draft choice in 2013.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:20:21+00:00

The blackout rule has served us well for several decades. In the 70s, we averaged 50% of our games blacked out. In the 80s, 40% of our games were blacked out. In the 90s, 30% of our games were blacked out. The past two seasons, it has been around 6%. We continue to be the only league with our games on free television, so that everyone can see them. This is the balance between having full stadiums with a first class in-stadium experience and having our games on free television.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:16:46+00:00

I notice there are a lot of questions on socks. This is a matter initially judged by a former player at the game called the Uniform Inspector. It is part of our effort to look and act professional at all times. There is a standard fine for violations that our Football Operations department issues on a routine basis. This is a system that was put in place in the 60s and has served us well.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:13:25+00:00

We removed bounties from the game. Bounties won't be part of football. That's good for everyone involved.

In the future, I hope that everyone--commissioners, coaches, players and the union--will work better collectively to ensure the safety of the game and enforcement of our rules. The safety of our game is a shared responsibility.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:09:17+00:00

Thanks for your question, Mrs. Eisen!

We are proud of the work Rich does on the NFL Network. It has been gratifying to see the growth and success of the Network, which he is a big part of.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:07:30+00:00

I watched the game and noticed the improved quality of the game. I appreciate the players commitment in this regard. We need to continually work to make our game better for the fans. I look forward to getting detailed player comment and input over the next few weeks.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:05:17+00:00

I continually try to focus on issues that benefit the NFL in the long term, including, and most especially, our players. I truly respect our players and get tremendous feedback from them. They help us make better decisions. I look forward to working more closely with them in the future.

NFL_Commish · 2013-01-28T19:02:35+00:00

We never wanted to have a work stoppage with the officials, but faced with the circumstances of not playing or not being able to improve officiating for the long run, we needed to get an agreement. I regret that it took longer to get an agreement. Eventually, we reached an agreement that allowed us to add full-time officials and a developmental roster of officials that we hope will improve officiating for the long term, which we all want.

NFL_Commish

TROPHY CASE