Paul Tagliabue, who led the NFL for 17 years as commissioner, guiding the league through an era of labor peace and financial growth but facing criticism for his handling of concussion issues, died Sunday of heart failure at age 84.

Dig deeper:

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Tagliabue’s family informed the league of his death in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Tagliabue, who had developed Parkinson’s disease, succeeded Pete Rozelle in 1989 and served until 2006. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the centennial class in 2020. Current Commissioner Roger Goodell succeeded him.

What they're saying:

"Paul was the ultimate steward of the game — tall in stature, humble in presence and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL," Goodell said in a statement. "I am forever grateful a

See Full Page