Commissioner Goodell on NFL officiating, Tom Brady, potential int’l expansion

• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held his “State of the League” press conference Monday, Feb 3. Topics included the league’s DEI hiring efforts, officiating and a potential 18-game schedule.
• Goodell called the idea that the Kansas City Chiefs get preferential treatment from officials “a ridiculous theory.”
• The commissioner says Tom Brady has been “incredibly cooperative” in working out potential conflict of interest issues.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell touched on several news-making issues Monday, Feb 3., during his “State of the League” press conference in New Orleans ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl.

Goodell defends the game’s officiating

There were several questions about the league’s officiating and replay review. Goodell called the idea that the Kansas City Chiefs get preferential treatment “a ridiculous theory.” He repeatedly praised the officials, saying they have a tough job, but also said the league will look at technology to support them. That includes the possibility of making more plays reviewable and continuing to test an electronic system to measure first downs.

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“I think there are areas like face mask and some of the other areas that I think we could add to and assist the officials in what’s a very fast game,” Goodell said. “They don’t have the benefit of going back and looking at replays from 16 different angles, and the time, and then the debate. They’ve got to make a snap decision. And so again, I’m proud of what they do, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to continue to try to get better.”

The Tom Brady conflict of interest dilemma

Goodell was asked about Tom Brady, Fox’s lead analyst for the Super Bowl. The issue centers around a potential conflict of interest Brady’s ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders could cause while broadcasting games and being involved in production meetings with other teams. The commissioner said they may reevaluate their policies after the season but that things are currently working out with Brady.

“Tom has been incredibly cooperative,” Goodell said. “He calls frequently about it and says, ‘Am I doing OK?’ I think he’s serious that he separates the two and doesn’t put the league or anyone in a position of conflict.”

What does the league’s future look like?

In discussing the game’s growth, the commissioner believes there will be a day when the NFL adds an 18th regular-season game and cuts the preseason down to just two games. However, that change is not imminent.

Goodell said there is a lot of work to be done with the players union during negotiations, particularly regarding player safety.

“Eighteen and two [preseason games] might be a possibility. We know fans love football, and they want more football,” Goodell said. “But we have to be incredibly sensitive and smart with the balance and how we deal with that.”

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Meanwhile, international games will continue to expand, according to the commissioner, to 16 per season. Goodell predicted those games might one day lead to a franchise that’s based full-time in an international city. If that were to happen, the league would eventually host an international Super Bowl.

Goodell also revealed the NFL is “working aggressively” on starting both men’s and women’s professional flag football leagues, hoping to introduce flag football into the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.