Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who guided the league to new heights of financial prosperity during his 17-year run yet drew heavy scrutiny for his handling of the league's concussion crisis, died Sunday in Chevy Chase, Maryland, his family announced. He was 84.

Tagliabue's apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with approximately seven years ago.

Tagliabue served as NFL Commissioner from 1989-2006, taking over for Pete Rozelle. During that span, he helped the league navigate several crises, including the decision to postpone games after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the fallout from Hurricane Katrina. His ability to maintain broker labor peace and avoid any work stoppages has been widely credited as a major factor

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