During the league’s annual meeting, Goodell dismissed calls from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to eliminate the Rooney Rule, stating, “No. The Rooney Rule has been around a long time. We’ll continue to evolve it as circumstances warrant.” He emphasized that the rule is not a hiring mandate but a tool to broaden the pool of diverse candidates for key positions.
Goodell also noted the NFL’s commitment to diversity, saying the league will engage with state officials and others to discuss policies while maintaining the rule’s core purpose of fostering inclusive hiring practices.