Goodell: Rooney Rule Will Stay, Won't Lose Diversity

During the press conference, Goodell responded to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s demand to ditch the Rooney Rule with a firm “No.” He explained that the rule has evolved over time and will continue to adapt as circumstances warrant, but its core purpose—to help identify diverse candidates for key positions—remains unchanged.

Goodell noted the Rooney Rule is not a hiring mandate but a tool used across industries to broaden candidate pools. He reaffirmed the NFL’s commitment to diversity and its alignment with evolving laws, stating the league will engage with stakeholders to refine the policy while preserving its foundational values.