Roger Goodell giving up entire salary as part of NFL pay reductions

Many major sports leagues across the world have been forced to suspend play or delay the start of their seasons, and it remains to be seen if the NFL will kick off on schedule. In the meantime, America’s favorite sport is clearly experiencing some downturn.

ESPN’s Seth Wickersham obtained a copy of a letter that was sent from Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II to teams on behalf of the NFL’s compensation committee. In it, Rooney revealed that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has volunteered to forgo his entire salary for the time being. The league also announced that several other executives and high-level employees will be taking pay cuts.

“It is important to note that the Commissioner and his staff took the initiative to implement these measures as responsible steps in light of the economic uncertainty facing all businesses,” Rooney wrote. “Obviously, these are steps we all would prefer not to have to take, and the League office remains committed to planning for a full season in 2020.”

In addition to Goodell reducing his salary to $0, the NFL is implementing tiered reductions for other high-level employees, which will take effect in May. The reductions begin at 5 percent for manager-level staffers and range up to 20 percent for senior vice presidents. No employee earning less than $100,000 per year will be impacted, and no employee’s salary will be dropped below $100,000 as a result of the pay reductions.

“We hope that business conditions will improve and permit salaries to be returned to their current levels, although we do not know when that will be possible, Goodell wrote.

While Goodell has made an astronomical amount of money in his time as NFL commissioner, his decision to voluntary give up his entire salary shows awareness during a difficult time. It will likely be appreciated by others around the NFL.