Paul Tagliabue, who served as NFL commissioner for 17 years from the late 1980s until the mid-2000s, died Sunday at age 84, the league announced.

In a team-released statement, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he was “deeply saddened” by Tagliabue’s passing.

“He was a leader who made an indelible impact on the National Football League,” Kraft said. “Paul was a man of integrity and a tireless advocate for the game. During his tenure, Paul guided the league through transformative growth, expanding its reach and strengthening its foundation. His unwavering belief in the power of football to unite communities set a standard that continues to inspire us all.

“On a personal level, I was honored to work alongside Paul and to witness firsthand his wisdom, grace, and dedication. He was a trusted

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