Remembering Paul Tagliabue’s unwavering commitment to the Georgetown community

Paul Tagliabue is survived by his wife Chandler, and his two children, Emily (Parent’22) and Drew. Photo: Phil Humnicky

Paul Tagliabue (C’62), who served as chair of Georgetown University’s Board of Directors from 2009 to 2015 after a 17-year stint as the commissioner of the National Football League, passed away on Nov. 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Through his generous contributions to a multitude of Georgetown programs, including those that support LGBTQ+ students, Tagliabue leaves behind an enduring legacy that has shaped how the university advocates for its students.

“Paul Tagliabue was a consummate Hoya and carried our Catholic and Jesuit values everywhere he went, from right here at Georgetown to the NFL,” said Georgetown Interim President Robert M. Groves. “Georgetown is a better place because of the service and leadership Paul provided for many years.”

Academic and athletic success

Born to a working-class family in Jersey City, New Jersey, Tagliabue joined the Georgetown community over 60 years ago. As an undergraduate student, he achieved both academic and athletic success, becoming senior class president and captain of the men’s basketball team. He was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist before graduating in 1962 with honors and as the school’s second-leading rebounder.

That same year, Tagliabue won a scholarship to New York University School of Law, leading to a distinguished legal career at the Washington, DC, office of Covington & Burling, where he served as outside counsel to the National Football League before becoming its seventh commissioner in 1989. During his 17 years as leader of the NFL, the league not only saw massive financial success but also an unprecedented commitment to diversity in its hiring.

tagliabue speaking at podium at graduation — Photo: Phil Humnicky

“Georgetown is a better place because of the service and leadership Paul provided for many years.”

—Georgetown Interim President Robert M. Groves

A legacy of service in the Georgetown community

Following his leadership of the NFL, Tagliabue joined the university’s Board, serving as its chair from 2009 to 2015, then stepping down to serve to act as vice chair until 2018. His wife, Chandler (Chan), is also a volunteer leader at Georgetown, having served on the Board of Regents from 2015 to 2021.

Throughout their service, the Tagliabues have given generously to the Georgetown community in support of a number of its initiatives, including undergraduate scholarships and the establishment of the Paul J. and Chandler M. Tagliabue Distinguished Professorship in Interfaith Studies and Dialogue.

jack degioia and paul tagliabue posing with a georgetown shirt — The Tagliabues have funded key Georgetown initiatives that promote mutual respect and the humanity of everyone on campus, including need- based scholarships and the LGBTQ Resource Center, as well as professorships that encourage on interfaith dialogue. Photo: Leslie E. Kossoff

As longtime advocates of the LGBTQ community, the Tagliabues were key supporters in the opening of the campus LGBTQ Resource Center in 2008. The center, which provides a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for LGBTQ students, was the first of its kind at a Catholic university in the U.S.

In 2011, the Tagliabues designated $1 million for the LGBTQ Resource Center. A recent bequest from the Tagliabues, which brings their lifetime giving to over $14 million, includes additional support for the center’s programming.

To those who worked with him and whose lives were enriched by his presence and generosity, Tagliabue’s impact reflects a lifetime of caring and respect for the inherent dignity of all members of the Georgetown community.

Tagliabue is survived by Chan, his daughter Emily, his son Drew, his son-in-law Mark Jones, and three grandchildren.