Paul Tagliabue led the NFL to greater riches, more diversity and soaring popularity during his 17-year tenure as commissioner of America’s favorite sport. His stewardship also was marked by the league’s dawdling recognition of the impact and severity of concussions.

Tagliabue, who died Sunday of heart failure at age 84, was commissioner from 1989 to 2006. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

More money

League revenues skyrocketed during the 17 years under Tagliabue, who was succeeded by current commissioner Rodger Goodell after brokering new television and labor deals. In addition to billions of dollars in broadcast revenue, the league also saw construction of a slew of new stadiums and expansion to 32 teams.

More diversity

Tagliabue established the “Rooney Rule

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