WASHINGTON — Paul Tagliabue, who led the NFL as commissioner for 17 years during a period of immense growth and stability, died Sunday morning at age 84.

According to his family, Tagliabue died in his house in Chevy Chase, Md., after suffering heart failure complicated by Parkinson's Disease.

Tagliabue became commissioner in 1989, succeeding Pete Rozelle, and served until 2006, when he was followed by current commissioner Roger Goodell. Under his leadership, the league expanded from 28 to 32 teams, adding franchises in North Carolina, Jacksonville, Cleveland and Houston. More than two-thirds of NFL teams also built or moved into new stadiums during his tenure.

During his time as commissioner, Tagliabue helped guide the league through major national crises, including the Sept. 11, 2001

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