One Last Draft Handshake For Tagliabue

Leitch|published: 03/20/2006, 3:00pm EST

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As had been expected, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced his retirement this afternoon, effective this July. Tagliabue has been on the job for 15 years, and, while not exactly having the mob boss persona of David Stern or the dopey, semi-clueless car salesman vibe of Bud Selig, has still been one of sports Mount Rushmores for the last decade.

One of the quieter stories about Tagliabue: His contributions to the gay community. Tagliabue's son Drew is gay and is a co-founder of PFLAG, which stands for "Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays." The group has 200,000 members, including Tagliabue, who was honored by the non-profit organization last year.

No word yet on Tagliabue's replacement, though once Peter King is done inexplicably singing the praises of Terrell Owens, we're sure he'll be all over it.

Tagliabue To Retire In July [NFL.com] Paul Tagliabue, Friend To The Gays [Deadspin] Don't Worry, Dallas [SI.com]