Roger Goodell Quotes

Ignorance is not a suitable defense

I am awake a lot of nights.

Every game in the NFL is important.

One of the strong principles that I believe in is that you're always learning, whether you're a commissioner, a current general manager, a president or an owner, or somebody that's trying to become a general manger or a coach in the NFL.

It's always unfortunate when something gets misreported and the facts are not clear.

I don't get myself caught up in the rhetoric of any personal comments that are made.

It's an awesome responsibility, not only to maintain the level of success the NFL has, but to build on that.

Change before you're forced to change.

My job is to protect the integrity of the NFL and to make sure the game is as safe as possible.

The owners don't win by having a lockout. Shutting down your business is not good for anybody and it's certainly not good for the players, it's certainly not good for the fans. And that's most important to us.

I think the state of the NFL has a very positive outlook.

HGH testing is happening in Olympics. The science is there. It is a valid test.

This is an opportunity to create a better future for the NFL, to improve the game for our fans, and to expand the economic benefits for the players and teams. Staying with the status quo is not an option. The world has changed for everyone, including the NFL and our fans. We must get better in everything we do ... If both sides compromise and give a little, everyone will get a lot, especially the fans.

The same mistakes can never be repeated.

You have to continue to learn. That's how you develop. So the people who show that curiosity, that ambition, that willingness to do what it takes to improve and to get better, they're the people who are going to be successful in the long term.

I don't expect to try to get people to like everything I do. I want them to respect what I do.

I'm very fortunate, and I know that.

I talk to players all the time.

I spent a lot of time in the school psychologist's office. I didn't apply myself. My mother thought I had learning disabilities.

I hold head coaches accountable.

When there's a pattern of mistakes, something has got to change.

The NCAA has to establish their own rules and enforce their own rules.

I have to make a lot of decisions that aren't in the best interests of individuals, whether they be owners, club executives, players.

Yes, NFL players deserve to be paid well. Unfortunately, economic realities are forcing everyone to make tough choices and the NFL is no different. These are not easy negotiations, but the outcome can be positive. If both sides give a little, everyone, including fans, will get a lot and the game will improve through innovation. Even in difficult economic times, a new CBA presents us with the opportunity to secure the future of our game.

The one thing I would hope would go on my tombstone is, 'I made my parents proud.'

My goal was to prove to my family I wasn't a dummy.

The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right.

It is very common ... to tell graduates: dream and dream big. I say do more than that. When you dream you are in an unconscious state. It ends. You wake up. It's not real.

I take my responsibilities very seriously.

I've spent my life following my passion.

No one is above the game or the rules that govern it. Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised.

It's not just the NFL. Every other league has a draft. It has been fundamental to the success of professional sports.

It is a privilege for me to serve the NFL. It is the only place I have ever wanted to work.

I think when someone is injured in your family, you want to speak to the individual and you want to hear their voice and you want to make sure they are OK.

I learned in high school that I was going to have to outwork people. I remember running around the track, training for football, and a faster guy ran past me. I just figured, I can outlast him. If I work harder than him, I'll beat him. And to this day I overprepare.