“The league will miss him, but I believe this is the right time. It is time for him to enjoy his family and pursue other interests. He is very intelligent and probably will not sit around and do nothing. I feel honored to be the last NFL owner that Paul Tagliabue handed the Lombardi Trophy.”
— Dan Rooney, Pittsburgh Steelers owner

“History will judge him to be among the finest commissioners any sport has ever had.”
— Bill Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals president

“We didn’t always agree, but he encouraged the airing of different opinions and philosophies amongst the entire ownership. From a personal perspective I know he brought out the best in me in what I could do to serve the NFL and the fans of this league. That’s leadership.”
— Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner

“Bottom line, he oversaw the greatest period of growth in league history and was able to maintain labor peace at the same time, which to me was his greatest accomplishment. Both the owners and players as well as the fans are enjoying the rewards of his leadership.”
— Alex Spanos, San Diego Chargers owner

“I thought he was a high-character man, who was good on his word when he gave it to you. I think he cared about the game. The game on the field was the most important thing to him.”
— Charley Casserly, Houston Texans general manager

“He has been a captain of captains. Paul has led the NFL through a tremendous growth period. He has always recognized the importance of the fan as the key driver of the league’s success. His leadership produced a business model that allowed for players and teams to thrive in.”
— Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles owner

TAGLIABUE TO RETIRE Tagliabue to quit as commish in July Ventre: Dull? Tags anything but that Condi not applying for job, at least now Reaction to Tagliabue announcement Vote: Grade 16-year job performance

“The growth of the NFL and its place as the dominant sports league in the world is a testament to his talent and leadership.”
— Dennis Green, coach of the Arizona Cardinals

“Paul has been a friend and a wise guide for me since my earliest association with the league. His foresight, patience and love of our game played a very large role in making the NFL what it is today.”
— Daniel Snyder, Washington Redskins owner

“The job Paul has done in his 16-plus years as commissioner is unprecedented. I have mixed feelings about his retirement, but I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
— Pat Bowlen, Denver Broncos owner

“Paul’s legacy has been and will be expansion, which included markets and playing and coaching jobs, labor peace, revenue growth, stadium development, excellent competition levels on the field and extraordinary growth of player compensation.”
— Lamar Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs owner

“When Paul succeeded Pete Rozelle as commissioner, he had big shoes to fill, as everybody was quick to remind him. In his own style, he went about the task of filling those shoes, and the results speak for themselves.”
— John Mara, president of the New York Giants

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

“There is nobody in this business I respect more as a leader and as an intellect. Paul enriched the quality and strength of the NFL brand and presided over the greatest growth in TV in the history of sports. But to me, his greatest legacy is the way he used his intellect, character and patience to bridge the differences between owners and labor — more so than any sports figure.”
— Dick Ebersol, chairman of NBC Sports.

“I think that he was able to keep labor peace for two decades, which allowed us to get media contracts that are the highest of any sport anywhere in the world. It’s allowed us to establish sponsorships with Fortune 500 companies. And the players have been the biggest beneficiaries. It’s been a win-win all around.”
— Bob Kraft, New England Patriots owner